Go-ahead given for new Mayo amusement arcade after appeal
A PROPOSAL for a new amusement and entertainment centre in Castlebar has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála.
The appeals board overturned a decision of Mayo County Council that refused a change of use of a retail shop unit at Duke Street for the new centre.
Documents submitted by Sean Coleman, from Enniscrone, who sought planning permission, explained that it would be a professionally managed amusement and entertainment centre, where a range of electronic games would be provided for customers.
A strict over 18s policy will be in place at the venue.
The council ruled that the development would contravene the development plan, which seeks to resist the conversion of the ground floor of premises on the principal shopping streets to non-retail uses.
It also didn't comply with the zoning matrix of the development plan for Castlebar, where gaming arcades are normally not permitted.
The council also found that the development would seriously injure the amenity and value of existing residential properties in the vicinity due to increased noise disturbance and general nuisance.
Among the points raised in the appeal was the suitability of the site of the premises - a ‘side street’ with very few premises close by.
There was one existing amusement centre, on the opposite side of the town centre, and the new development would not lead to a dominance of such uses in the area.
It would also cause less disruption/nuisance than a public house use, which is common in the town centre.
The only residential properties in the area were those above the subject unit, which are unoccupied and are unlikely to be occupied in the immediate future.
In the event that they become occupied, soundproofing would be considered where required.
It was further pointed out that the proposal would eliminate a unit which has been vacant for 10 years due to lack of interest and would increase footfall in the town centre, which includes 16 vacant commercial premises on nearby streets.
In granting permission, the appeals board found that having regard to the town centre zoning objective relating to the site, the character and pattern of development in the area, and the modest scale of the development involving the occupation of a vacant unit, subject to conditions, it would not detract from the character or mix of uses in the area, would not seriously injure amenities or property in the vicinity, and would not adversely impact on the retail function of the town centre of Castlebar.
The permission is for a period of three years. The use of the unit as an amusement arcade will then cease unless permission for retention is obtained.
A condition regarding noise levels was imposed, and also opening times - the arcade is not to be open to the public between 11 p.m. and 9.30 a.m., except on Fridays and Saturdays when it can remain open until 12.30 a.m.