A 24-hour adult gaming centre has submitted new plans for illuminated signage after its previous proposal was blocked.
Luxury Leisure has applied again to install lighting and signage to the front of the former Halifax at 67-68 Baxtergate, Whitby, after similar plans were rejected by North Yorkshire Council (NYC) in March.
The site is being converted into an adult gaming centre (AGC) as part of plans by the company, which trades as Admiral.
Councillors rejected the conversion plan last year, but the refusal was overturned on appeal by a Government planning inspector.
In March, the council blocked the company’s lighting plan due to concerns about “undue nuisance” and harm to neighbouring residential properties.
Luxury Leisure’s updated scheme said “there is significant precedent of similar applications being approved in the town centre”, including at nearby pubs and bookmakers.
“We therefore commend this application for your approval,” the new application adds.
In an email to planning officers, the agent for the application said: “The yellow bar on the fascia has been removed and only the words Admiral and Casino are halo illuminated and only at 150cdm with warm white LEDs. The script on the fascia has been reduced as agreed.”
The agent added that this followed “extensive email correspondence and telephone conversations” with planners.
However, concerns about the nature of the submitted plans have been raised by council officers.
A North Yorkshire Council environmental protection officer said: “The applicant has submitted a document entitled ‘lighting assessment’.”
“This document is not a true ‘lighting assessment’ – undertaken in accordance with The Institute of Lighting Professionals Guidance Note 01/21, ‘The Reduction of Obtrusive light’.”
He added: “That would require a specified lux and light spill assessment, which does not appear to have been carried out.
“However, despite the lack of such an assessment, I do not intend to object based on the information, including lighting design, submitted by the applicant.”
The updated proposal is open to representations from residents and other members of the public.
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application.
By: Anttoni James Numminen, LDRS
