Council refuses bid to extend adult gaming centre

The vacant unit formerly housed The Works store on Bridge Street

Plans to extend an adult gaming centre have been called "unacceptable" over fears the proposed development's shop frontage does not adhere with local planning policies.

Ticketgrange Limited submitted a planning application to Peterborough City Council to change the use of a former retail unit, which was used by The Works store, into an adult gaming venue.

The applicant runs a bingo premises in the adjoining building called New Horizon Amusements and wished to expand it into the vacant unit on 28-30 Bridge Street, Peterborough.

The application received about seven objections, which included fears it would negatively change the character of the retail frontage opposite the town hall.

Bridge Street in Peterborough City Centre is lined with mixed-use businesses including retail and food units and the city's town hall.

Separate from New Horizon Amusements, there are at least two other gambling facilities on Bridge Street.

According to the planning statement, the proposed business would be an extension of the current Bingo premises and not a new one and would operate between 09:00 and 21:00 each week.

The authority's planning committee refused the application and said the applicant "failed to demonstrate" the proposal would maintain a built frontage with a window display.

The planning officer said: "The proposal is unacceptable having been assessed in light of all material considerations, including weighing against relevant policies of the development plan."

The applicant can appeal the decision.