Plans for adult gaming centre on busy street

Plans for an adult gaming centre on a busy Leicester shopping street have been submitted.

If approved, the centre would be located in the former Ginns and Gutteridge Funeral Directors premises in Narborough Road.

Property and leisure company Shipley Estates Ltd said it now owned the freehold of the building, and was looking to convert it into a 24-hour games and bingo centre, for over-18s only.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said Leicester City Council will make a decision on the plans on 14 April.

LDRS said the new use would only apply to the ground floor of the property.

The applicant said it would be making changes to the building, including "acoustic upgrades" to the floor between the proposed gaming area and residences above, to minimise noise disturbance.

The proposal to Leicester City Council follows a similar bid by the Shipley Estates, in 2023.

Permission was granted for a centre in the neighbouring Beau Moda and Beau Bangles shops in Narborough Road, in April 2023.

That application was also for a 24-hour operation, with Shipley saying at the time it would offer over-18s a selection of the latest gaming machines.

Permission came with a caveat of restricted opening hours, however, after planning officers raised concerns over noise.

For their newest application, Shipley Estates said there would only be background music at the premises, no alcohol would be served and no one who was "intoxicated" would be allowed inside.

They added: "Approval of this application will bring back to use a vacant unit, create jobs and investment, and will contribute to the economy of the area."

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