Arcade 'to hit shops' - Council

They believe the Leisurama Ltd business would tip the balance away from shopping as the main use for Acomb's Front Street.

Planners said the new development would be to the "detriment of the viability and vitality of Acomb shopping centre" and contrary to planning guidelines.

But bosses at the East Yorkshire-based gambling company believe they should be given permission to transform the Paul Stride baby goods and children's wear shop at the junction of Front Street and Acomb Court.

They argue that the business would make no visual change to the high street, and point out that many people have an interest in gambling.

Government planning inspector Karen Baker held a public inquiry at The Friends' Meeting House, in Friargate, York, yesterday, to decide the issue.

She said: "There is a single main issue for this appeal and that is the effect of the change of use to the vitality and viability of Acomb town centre."

The inspector spent a day hearing submissions from both sides of the argument, and will submit her decision within the next couple of months.

City of York Council planners originally turned down the move just over a year ago because they felt it was contrary to the local plan that guides development in the city.

The inquiry heard yesterday that planners aim to allow only 35 per cent of a shopping street frontage to be used for non-retail purposes.

They believe that if the amusement arcade was given the green light it would increase the proportion above this level in both Acomb Court and Front Street.

Patrick Sutor, a freelance planning consultant who advises the council, told the public inquiry that no objections to the amusement arcade proposals had been received from residents.

Up to 26 letters warning of the changes were sent out to interested parties.

He said the change of use would make little change to the visual appearance of the street.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, October 20, 2004