Co Antrim: amusement arcade with potential for 12 new jobs refused as site ‘lies outside the town centre boundary’

Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the committee the application seeks to retain the sub-division of a previously approved restaurant and proposed change of use to an amusement arcade at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park. She said that a “town centre first approach” is required and town centre units are available.

A report to the Planning Committee said: “The application site sits within an established retail and leisure complex and the surrounding units are occupied by a mix of uses, including restaurant, fast food take-away, bulk retail, and a cinema.”

It also stated: “The proposed development comprises a form of leisure and entertainment and would be considered to be a main town centre use.

“In this case, whilst the application site is located within an existing and established retail and leisure park, it lies outside the town centre boundary for Antrim town.”

The report explained: “The onus is on the applicant to identify and fully demonstrate that all centre and edge of centre options have been assessed and discounted as unsuitable, unviable or unavailable. In the context of this application, the applicant is required to show that there are no sequentially preferable sites located within Antrim town centre.”

The report indicated the agent identified ten available properties within Antrim town centre. Each site was assessed for its ability to meet the “preferential requirements of the applicant”.

These included the need for an existing building, an internal area of at least 200sqm, a “prominent ground floor location in an area that attracts a reasonable amount of passing footfall; and the ability to trade to midnight seven days a week”.

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The properties were located at High Street, Market Square, Church Street and within Castle Mall, Antrim, but were deemed as ‘not suitable”.

The report concluded the proposal is contrary to the Antrim and Newtownabbey Plan Strategy as it involves the “sub-division of a large commercial unit into smaller units, and the proposal is likely to impact adversely on the continued vitality and viability of Antrim town centre”.

Speaking on the applicant’s behalf, Stewart Beattie said he found the “approach to policy to be wrong”. He stressed it is not a proposed retail use but a “sui generis” gaming use and questioned the impact such a facility would have on a town centre.

Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster asked if the applicant has looked at any empty town centre units and deemed them not to be acceptable. Mr Beattie indicated the developer requires a certain amount of space for machines and amenity space for customers.

Planning agent Diana Thompson told the committee the proposal would result in an investment of £400k and up to 12 new jobs. She stressed her client who has been in business for decades has an “unblemished record”.

The committee report noted the applicant has been operating gaming centres across Northern Ireland for more than 50 years, including one at High Street, Carrickfergus.

With regard to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s policy, she questioned whether or not this type of use is acceptable in a town centre.

Cllr Foster said this type of facility in Glengormley “does not have any problem”.

The agent pointed out The Junction is “a retail and leisure complex” and “a more suitable location”.

Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell proposed moving the recommendation to refuse the application, seconded by party colleague Ballyclare Ald Lewis Boyle.

Planning permission was refused after six councillors supported the recommendation with five against.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporting Service