Illuminated signage for gaming centre approved

Controversial plans to install illuminated signage outside a 24-hour adult gaming centre in Whitby have been approved despite objections.

A halo-illuminated fascia sign and an externally illuminated hanging sign will be installed at the former Halifax branch on Baxtergate after revised plans submitted by Luxury Leisure were approved by North Yorkshire Council.

The site is being converted into a gaming centre as part of plans by the company, which trades as Admiral.

The Whitby Civic Society had been among those to object to the plans, but council officers said the revised design was "much more subtle" than the previously refused scheme.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the civic society had argued the signage "would constitute a disamenity for residents and negatively affect the dark skies opportunities for planetary observation currently found in Whitby".

They had called for it to be switched off at midnight, if the plans were approved.

But officers said the proposal was unnecessary.

A report said the applicant had addressed earlier concerns about the impact on the character of the area and neighbouring residents with measures such as reducing the amount of illuminated signage and using warm white LED halo lighting.

The new plans were "in keeping with the other late-night uses on Baxtergate", it added.

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

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