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 councillors.The Halifax branch, on Whitby's Baxtergate, is currently the town's only high street bank, ahead of its closure in mid-May.Luxury 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."
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