The Scarisbrick hotel in Southport has been told it can keep its amusement arcade open, following a ruling by the planning inspectorate.
The arcade at the Britannia group hotel – was open for eighteen months, before a Cllr and few residents against it let owners applying for retrospective planning permission.
This was refused by Sefton Council, but now following a visit by inspectors on February 15, the arcade has been told it can continue to operate.
Hotel bosses will now have to remove a perforated shutter which is used to stop vandalism.
The ruling said: “The appeal is allowed, the enforcement notice is quashed, and planning permission is granted on the application.
“The removal of internal walls has not adversely affected the architectural and historic interest of the listed building. In this regard, no harm, substantial or otherwise, has been caused to the significance of the designated heritage asset.
“The appellants did attempt to reinstate a retail tenant for the unit and a unit in active use is certainly preferable, with regard to maintaining the vitality of the town centre, to an empty unit.
“The amusement arcade use of the unit does not create a less vibrant frontage than would a retail use, and the use does not undermine or cause material harm to the shopping character of the area.”
OTSnews approached Sefton Council for a comment but in usual good form they declined to comment.
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