Plans to convert an empty unit on Northgate Street into an adult gaming centre look set to go ahead.

Owning a similar centre on Frodsham Street, Webber's Leisure LTD seeks to remodel the unit formerly home to Lambretta, which left the premises in August 2022.

The adult gaming centre will be restricted to customers aged 18 and over, with opening times ranging from 9am to 11pm.

In its design and access statement, the application revealed a number of attempts had been made to market the grade II listed property - with a "limited" number of enquiries submitted.

It said: "There are a number of restrictions associated with the property which mean that it does not easily lend itself to a retail use.

"The proposed development will provide for the efficient re-use of a vacant listed building to return it to an optimum viable use.

The unit can be found on 14 Northgate Street (Nub News)

"There will be no physical changes/alterations to the fabric of the building either internally or externally, no harm will arise."

Despite various objections, the officer approved the plans, echoing issues regarding the length of time the unit had stood empty.

They said: "The LPA considers that bringing the unit back into productive use—albeit one that is restricted to adults—would contribute positively to the vitality of the area and incur the potential to serve a significant proportion of the population.

"The proposed development will facilitate the retention of the existing shopfront and the reactivation of a commercial unit that has remained vacant for several years."

A number of objections with the application were raised, including noise concerns which were dismissed given the location of the unit on a "busy commercial street" - with "a number of restaurants, bars and a nightclub in the nearby vicinity."

The officer added: "It is considered that, given the location of the unit on an already busy commercial street, as well as the proposed hours of the unit ensuring that the use of the unit does not continue late into the night, there will be no significant harm arising from the noise of the proposed use.

Whilst the issue of addiction was raised as an objection to the proposals, the planning officer rejected the "lack of evidence". 

They said: "These concerns have been noted by the LPA, however, the operation of the business would be controlled by the requirements of the Gambling Commission and there is no evidence to suggest that these requirements would or could not be adhered to.

"It is therefore not considered that there would be demonstrable social harm caused by the proposal to this aspect."

The potential for a rise in antisocial behaviour was also cited in an objection to the plans, alongside the viability of the new business.

Both concerns were dismissed, due to not representing "a conflict with planning policy". 

The officer added: "It is also noted that there is no substantive evidence before the LPA to demonstrate that the business would not be viable or that it would fail.

"The proposed development setting a precedent for this type of use within the town centre has been raised as a potential issue through public comments. 

"Each application, however, is considered on its own merits and the granting of planning permission in one location for a certain use would not prejudice the outcome of another application in a nearby proximity."