Latest news with #LuxuryLeisure
BBC News
17-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Former bank site should be used 'positively'
Scarborough and Whitby's MP has called for the site of a high street bank to be used "positively", after plans to convert the building into a 24-hour adult gaming centre were rejected by Halifax branch, on Whitby's Baxtergate, is currently the town's only high street bank, ahead of its closure in Leisure's proposal to turn the site into a gambling venue was met with more than 500 public objections, and a petition was presented in the House of Commons. North Yorkshire councillors voted to block the plans last week, with MP Alison Hume calling for the premises to be used to "benefit the community". "I was happy to sit in the public gallery of Scarborough Town Hall with Whitby residents as we listened to North Yorkshire councillors vote to reject planning officers' recommendations to give a mini-casino the go-ahead," said Hume. "I was happy because councillors from across the political spectrum agreed it was a bad idea to introduce a 24-hour mini-casino to the high street."Reasons for the rejection included a loss of amenity, an unsuitable location and noise disturbance. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Hume added: "Residents want shops and services rather than a gambling establishment open all night which creates nuisance and noise."I hope Luxury Leisure doesn't bother to appeal the decision, but if they do I am certain local residents will continue to oppose it and ensure the premises can be used positively for the benefit of the community."Luxury Leisure, trading as Admiral, said it would have invested £500,000 in the property and created 12 full-time jobs at the gaming centre. It had previously argued the site's 24-hour usage would "ensure footfall to the town centre".Asked if the company would appeal the decision, Haris Kasuji, the agent for the application, said: "I will go back to my client and it is for them to decide." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans to turn bank into gambling venue rejected
Plans to convert a a seaside town's last high street bank into a 24-hour gambling venue have been rejected following a local backlash. Luxury Leisure's proposal to convert the Halifax on Whitby's Baxtergate after its closure in May was rejected by councillors at a committee meeting on Thursday. More than 500 objections were lodged by residents, with councillors going against planning officers' recommendations to grant permission for the development. Councillor Derek Bastiman, who represents the Scalby ward, told the committee: "If it's approved, Whitby will become the Las Vegas of the east coast." He added: "I can see no benefit to the town or the wider area." Alison Hume, Scarborough and Whitby MP, recently presented a petition to the House of Commons – signed by more than 400 residents – urging the government "to encourage North Yorkshire Council to reject the application". Luxury Leisure, trading as Admiral, would have invested £500,000 in the property and created 12 full-time equivalent jobs at the centre, its representative said. "The proposed 24-hour use will ensure footfall to the town centre," the firm previously stated. Chris Clark, a Whitby resident who attended the meeting, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I think the residents used quite strong words to describe how offended they were about this. "I think democracy has won and the tone and determination of the town's people also won." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Plan for 24-hour gambling venue set for approval Hundreds object to plan for 24-hour gaming centre Plan to close last high street bank criticised North Yorkshire Council
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plan for 24-hour gambling venue set for approval
Plans to convert a seaside town's last high street bank into a 24-hour gambling venue are set to be approved. It would replace Halifax on Baxtergate, Whitby, after it closes in May, according to an application submitted to North Yorkshire Council by Luxury Leisure, trading as Admiral. More than 500 objections were lodged against the plans, including from one resident who said Whitby was "not Las Vegas". However, council planning officers recommended the plans for approval as it meant a "soon to be vacant unit would remain in use in a prominent location". Those objecting to the scheme criticised the loss of the bank and argued a gambling venue was not appropriate for the site. Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, previously launched a public petition against the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. A spokesperson for Luxury Leisure said there would be "no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under-18s and has an impact on amenity". "The proposed 24-hour use will ensure footfall to the town centre," the firm stated. In a report prepared for councillors, planning officers said that "whilst the loss of a bank branch in a town centre may be regrettable" it was "not relevant to the consideration of this application". The venue would add to the "tourism and leisure offering within the town centre, promoting footfall and would benefit the local economy", the report said. The plans are set to be discussed by councillors on the Scarborough and Whitby area planning committee on 13 March. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Hundreds object to plan for 24-hour gaming centre Yorkshire worst region for bank access - report North Yorkshire Council
BBC News
06-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Whitby plan for 24-hour gambling venue set to be approved
Plans to convert a seaside town's last high street bank into a 24-hour gambling venue are set to be would replace Halifax on Baxtergate, Whitby, after it closes in May, according to an application submitted to North Yorkshire Council by Luxury Leisure, trading as than 500 objections were lodged against the plans, including from one resident who said Whitby was "not Las Vegas".However, council planning officers recommended the plans for approval as it meant a "soon to be vacant unit would remain in use in a prominent location". Those objecting to the scheme criticised the loss of the bank and argued a gambling venue was not appropriate for the Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, previously launched a public petition against the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. 'Regrettable loss' A spokesperson for Luxury Leisure said there would be "no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under-18s and has an impact on amenity"."The proposed 24-hour use will ensure footfall to the town centre," the firm a report prepared for councillors, planning officers said that "whilst the loss of a bank branch in a town centre may be regrettable" it was "not relevant to the consideration of this application".The venue would add to the "tourism and leisure offering within the town centre, promoting footfall and would benefit the local economy", the report said. The plans are set to be discussed by councillors on the Scarborough and Whitby area planning committee on 13 March. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hundreds object to plan for Whitby 24-hour adult gaming centre
Plans to convert the former premises of a seaside town's last high street bank into a 24-hour adult gaming centre have received hundreds of its application to North Yorkshire Council, Luxury Leisure, trading as Admiral, said the conversion of the Halifax Bank on Baxtergate in Whitby - due to close later this year - would "ensure footfall to the town centre".Such premises were "bona fide town centre uses", adding to diversity and choice with no harmful impact on retailing activity, it added.A total of five people have so far written to the council backing the plan, but 370 objections have been received, including one from Jacqueline Hoggart, who said Whitby was "not Las Vegas". Ms Hoggart added: "It's a town full of character. I sincerely hope these plans are not approved as it would go against the ethos of Whitby and encouraging gambling is rather dangerous."Another objector, Debbie Beeforth, said: "The town needs to encourage more retail businesses to regenerate the centre, not adult gaming centres which do not belong in the main retail thoroughfare." 'Excellent replacement' In its application, Luxury Leisure, part of the Novomatic Group, stated there would be "no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under-18s and has an impact on amenity"."The proposed 24-hour use will ensure footfall to the town centre," it the bid, Richard Thomson told North Yorkshire Council: "Please make it a 24-hour casino. It will be good for other local businesses like my own, and create lots of job opportunities."Meanwhile, Joe Spivey said: "It will be an excellent replacement for a disused bank, providing a good amount of footfall for the area, as well as another facet of nighttime activity for the town."The Halifax Bank on Baxtergate was originally supposed to shut its doors in January, but customers have since been told it will remain open until to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, over 40% of bank branches in Scarborough and Whitby have closed since Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application, which currently remains open to comments from members of the to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
