PLANS to change the use of a town centre shop into an 24-hour adult gaming centre will face opposition when they come before Warrington’s development management committee next week.
The scheme involves a vacant shop in Bridge Street
Cclr Tom Jennings has expressed concern that the development would not be appropriate in the town centre – and there have been four other objections from occupiers of nearby properties..
Objectors claim the proposal is notg in keeping with the borough council’s vision of a family-friendly retail and leisure offer in the town centre and that there is already adequate gambling provision in the town centre.
Cllr Jennings says: “I’m concerned about numerous elements of this application; the trading hours, proposed signage both in terms of illumination and its keeping with the rest of the building.
“ The intended use is an already saturated market in the town centre and I don’t believe a desirable investment when considering the council’s long term vision for Bridge Street. It’s also not appropriate for this kind of establishment to be in such close proximity to housing for and services working with vulnerable people. I believe health and wellbeing concerns would outweigh much of the projected employment and economic benefits.”
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved, however. They say the proposal would make a sustainable contribution to the vitality and viability of the town centre.
The morality of gambling as a leisure activity is not a planning consideration, they say
