A former Royal British Legion support hub in Southampton city centre is set to become a 24-hour gambling venue.
Proposals for the adult gaming centre in Above Bar Street were approved by council planning officers.
The premises is said to have been vacant since February 2022, having previously been home to a ‘pop in centre’ which offered support and advice to serving and ex-service personnel.
A statement submitted on behalf of Luxury Leisure, who are behind the adult gaming centre scheme, said there needed to be greater flexibility for uses of units if high streets were to have a sustainable future.
The new business operation, which will trade as Admiral, would provide gaming for adults aged over 18.
The planning statement by agent Bradley Hall Ltd said: “The proposal would secure the use of this commercial building of which its future is currently uncertain since the premises became vacant and there would appear very limited, if any, interest in retail use of the premises in the current retailing climate.
“The development would also provide investment in jobs (circa 10 jobs to be created) and would provide a high-quality and accessible working environment with excellent staff facilities.”
Additional footfall would be generated in the city centre by the opening of the venue, the statement said.
An objection to the application was submitted to the council by the owner of a nearby premises, who said the proposal conflicted with local planning policies and raised concerns about the proliferation of adult gaming centres and betting shops.
Bargate ward member Cllr Sarah Bogle also objected. In a statement, she said: “I am concerned about the proposed change of use to a 24-hour adult gaming centre in a key central city location.
“At this point, I understand gambling harm/cumulative impact is something we may be exploring in planning policy going forward.
“I wish to object to this use on the grounds of impact on late-night noise/disturbance.”
A member of the council’s environmental health team said there was a similar 24-hour offering in the area which had not led to any complaints.
The planning officer assessing the application said while there was a “moderate conflict” with two policies, the benefits of bringing the empty unit back into use outweighed the harm caused.
A separate application related to new signage on the shop front was also approved by the local planning authority.
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