'Adequate parking available' for newly approved bingo hall in Larne town centre
Planning permission has been approved by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a proposed new bingo hall, at Murrayfield Shopping Centre, in Larne town centre.
The proposal is for change of use from a vacant retail unit, formerly occupied by Poundland, to a bingo hall and adult gaming centre at the Point Street premises.
A development management officer’s report to the local government authority noted 21 letters of support and three letters of objection.
These included one from Toal’s Bookmakers, Point Street, stating: “It has not been demonstrated that there are no suitable alternative sites existing within the primary retail core or town centre for the proposed use without compromising retail function.”
The report said that with regard to the application, there is “no requirement under policy to demonstrate alternative sites within the primary retail core or town centre”.
“This site is within the town centre and primary retail core and as such, the use proposed is appropriate at this location in keeping with current planning policy.”
The report explained that policy under Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan 2030 Plan Strategy includes “cultural leisure, entertainment and businesses uses as town centre uses”.
It was stated that “protecting and sustaining the viability and vitality of the established town centres and their promotion as the appropriate first choice location of retailing and other complementary town centre functions is a key tenet of regional planning policy”.
“Council also expects to see town centres performing to their maximum potential in meeting the needs of citizens and visitors and contributing to the local economy,” the report continued.
“The site is within a highly accessible location within Larne town centre. The council is satisfied there is adequate parking available within existing car park areas.”
It added: “Environmental health have been consulted and have no objections and raise no amenity concerns relating to noise. The development is compatible with surrounding retail uses and will not detract from the character of the area.”
There are no external changes proposed to the building other than the glazed frontage “having a tint applied”.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter