PLANS have been submitted to Durham County Council to convert a retail unit in Bishop Auckland to a gaming lounge.

WPS Planning prepared the planning statement on behalf of Mrs R Crooks for the development in 25 Newgate Street Bishop Auckland.

The application site consists of a three storey building, previously occupied as a retail unit, however, has been empty for a number of years.

Read more: Bishop Auckland has 34 shopping units unused on its high street

The site lies on the eastern side of Newgate Street in the centre of the town.

The proposal would consist of various gaming machines on the ground floor and first floor with party area and office on the second floor.

A seating area would be located at the front of the building 25 Newgate Street is currently unoccupied, however it was previously occupied as a retail unit.

The proposed use would offer an all day service to visitors to the town centre with proposed opening hours from 10am to 11pm.

The proposal would therefore offer a different type of venue, thereby adding to the variety of uses with the town centre.

The applicant would therefore say there is arguably more of a community benefit than its current use as a retail use. The proposal supports employment of local people.

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