Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of a vacant retail unit at 43 Thomas Street, Armagh, into a console-gaming and entertainment centre, including seating areas and a reception desk.
ABC Planning officers noted in their report: “The application site is located at 43 Thomas Street, Armagh, which consists of a mid-terrace non-residential ground-floor unit that was vacant at the time of officers’ site visit.
“The surrounding area is characterised by a number of non-residential uses. It was apparent at the time of officers’ site visit that a number of the aforementioned properties now lie vacant.
“No existing internal walls are proposed to be removed or re-positioned. The existing front area within the ground-floor unit is proposed to be a reception and waiting area, and the existing main area is proposed to be a gaming area.
“Within the rear section of the subject unit, set back from Thomas Street, the existing corridor, storage rooms, W.C. and staff kitchen are to remain; the existing ‘Room 1’ and ‘Room 2’ are proposed to be ‘Gaming Room 1’ and ‘Gaming Room 2’.”
The applicant submitted a supporting planning statement as part of the proposal, which states the following: “The proposed business will operate as a quiet, family-friendly gaming venue offering PlayStation console gaming experiences.
“The premises will include gaming stations, seating areas, and a reception desk for customer check-in. No internal structural alterations or external building changes are proposed.
“The proposal involves only the installation of gaming consoles, televisions, seating, and LED decorative lighting within the existing space.
“The venue will operate as a controlled environment primarily serving children, teenagers, and families. No alcohol will be sold or consumed on site. No gambling activities, arcade machines, or casino facilities will be provided. No hot food preparation is proposed.
“The use is not expected to generate significant noise, traffic, or disturbance to neighbouring properties. The operation will be supervised at all times to ensure appropriate behaviour and compliance with safety standards.
“Proposed opening hours are 10am to 10pm daily. The proposal represents a low-impact leisure use suitable for a town-centre location and will contribute positively to local amenities by providing a safe recreational space for young people and families.”
The Planning officers’ report goes on to state: “The application site is located within an area of mixed use and the intention is for such areas as Thomas Street to be renewed, redeveloped and improved.
“Given that the subject proposal is for a recreational/community use for the area’s youth, within an existing vacant unit, in an area where other units have become vacant over preceding months and years, it is considered that the proposed development is in compliance with the thrust and intent of the area plan.
“Officers are of the opinion that there is no conflict between the proposed development and the existing or adjacent land uses.
“In addition, the proposed development would change a vacant ground-floor city centre unit into a facility that can be utilised by the local youth population in the surrounding area, within a streetscape which possesses a number of vacant units.
“The proposed development would not be likely to alter the character of the area adversely, nor will it unduly impact upon the amenity surrounding occupiers.
“Officers are of the opinion that this proposal would not generate any greater need for parking spaces over and beyond the previous use, and that a recommendation of refusal with regard to parking could not therefore be sustained in this instance.
“Officers are of the opinion that the proposal would preserve the appearance of the host building which is currently vacant at ground-floor level.
“The Environmental Health Department (EHD) has submitted a consultation response with no objections to the proposed development, subject to one condition being included within a potential decision notice of approval limiting the hours of use of the proposed console/gaming and entertainment centre.
“Although the area surrounding the application site is characterised by commercial uses, there are residential properties present along this particular stretch of Thomas Street, including at 43a Thomas Street (converted apartment).
“The existing premises is currently vacant and would likely fall into disrepair if not brought back into use, which would adversely affect the streetscape at this location.”
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