New bingo hall and adult gaming centre approved for 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 involves the change of use of a vacant retail unit, formerly occupied by Poundland, into a bingo hall and adult gaming centre at the Point Street premises.

A development management officer’s report noted that 21 letters of support and three letters of objection were received.

One objection came from Toal’s Bookmakers on Point Street, which stated:

“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.”

However, the report said there is “no requirement under policy to demonstrate alternative sites within the primary retail core or town centre”.

It added:

“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 within the Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan 2030 Plan Strategy includes “cultural, leisure, entertainment and business uses as town centre uses”.

It stated that “protecting and sustaining the viability and vitality of established town centres and promoting them as the appropriate first-choice location for 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.

“Environmental Health has been consulted and has no objections and raises no amenity concerns relating to noise. The development is compatible with surrounding retail uses and will not detract from the character of the area.”

No external alterations are proposed to the building other than the application of a tint to the glazed frontage.