Whitby gaming centre wins approval for illuminated signage

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 06:40 · Archive

North Yorkshire Council approved illuminated signage for a 24-hour adult gaming centre in Whitby despite objections about light pollution and dark skies.

North Yorkshire Council has approved illuminated signage for a 24-hour adult gaming centre in Whitby's town centre. The facility will operate at the former Halifax branch on Baxtergate after conversion by Luxury Leisure, which trades as Admiral. The approved scheme permits the installation of a halo-illuminated fascia sign and an externally illuminated hanging sign.

The decision comes after a Government planning inspector previously overturned the council's refusal of the wider change-of-use application to convert the bank into a gaming centre. The current approval is for revised plans following an earlier rejection of the signage proposals by the council.

Whitby Civic Society objected to the application, arguing that 24-hour illuminated signage would be harmful to residents. The society stated the lighting "would constitute a disamenity for residents and would negatively affect the dark skies opportunities for planetary observation currently found in Whitby". The group suggested that if approved, the lighting should be switched off at midnight.

Council planners concluded that such a restriction was unnecessary. Officers found that changes made since the earlier refusal, including reducing the amount of illuminated signage and using warm white LED halo lighting, addressed concerns about the impact on the character of the area and neighbouring residents. A report noted the new plans were "in keeping with the other late-night uses on Baxtergate".

Planners ultimately concluded the revised scheme would not cause unacceptable harm to residential amenity or to the character and appearance of Whitby's conservation area.

Whitby gaming centre wins approval for illuminated signage — Image: BBC York And North Yorkshire

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How it is being reported

Illuminated signage for gaming centre approvedThe current site on Baxtergate in Whitby is due to be converted from a bank into a gaming centre.BBC York And North Yorkshire · 4 Nov, 06:08
Fresh victory for Whitby’s 24-hour adult gaming centreA CONTROVERSIAL 24-hour adult gaming centre in Whitby has been granted permission to install illuminated signage despite concerns about the impact on residents and the town’s dark skies.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 2 Nov, 16:14
Fresh victory for Whitby’s 24-hour adult gaming centreA CONTROVERSIAL 24-hour adult gaming centre in Whitby has been granted permission to install illuminated signage despite concerns about the impact on residents and the town’s dark skies.York Press · 2 Nov, 16:14

In this story: Whitby · North Yorkshire Council · Luxury Leisure · Whitby Civic Society · Admiral

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