Whitby 24-hour adult gaming centre proposes illuminated signage
A soon-to-open 24-hour adult gaming centre in Whitby has applied for permission to renovate the exterior of the property.
Luxury Leisure has applied to install new lighting and signage to the front of the former Halifax at 67-68 Baxtergate, which is being converted into an adult gaming centre (AGC) as part of plans by the company, which trades as Admiral.
A North Yorkshire Council planning committee rejected the conversion plan last year, but the refusal has been overturned on appeal by a Government planning inspector.
“The proposed signage features halo illuminated individually located lettering that is appropriate for a 24-hour use and a slimline externally illuminated hanging sign above the fascia,” according to submitted plans.
However, Whitby Civic Society has objected and said that signage on a 24-hour basis “would constitute a disamenity for residents and would negatively affect the dark skies opportunities for planetary observation to be currently found in Whitby”.
Luxury Leisure said the property’s damaged shopfront is not listed, although it is located within the designated Whitby conservation area.
“The proposed shopfront and signage compare favourably with the previously approved Halifax arrangement of aluminium fascia and externally illuminated hanging sign with illuminated ATM and obscure vinyl,” its proposal states.
It adds: “The proposed shopfront scheme complements neighbouring commercial premises.
"We note that the adjoining grade II listed Black Swan public house has bulky externally illuminated fascia and hanging signs.”
When the planning inspector overturned NYC’s decision on the site’s conversion, he dismissed concerns about an impact on the character and appearance of Whitby’s conservation area as no external alterations had been proposed at that stage.
“Should any external changes be required, along with advertisement displays, these would be considered as part of any future applications for planning permission or advertisement consent,” he added.
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the proposal which is open to representations.