Gambling arcade plans rejected

Plans to transform a furniture shop in Heath Hayes into a gambling arcade have been thrown out by Cannock Chase Council's planning control committee, who ignored advice from the authority's planning officers.

The officers had said an arcade should be allowed to open at the premises. The councillors were poised to approve the application when they met yesterday afternoon. But instead, they refused the application on the grounds it would have a negative impact on the area.

Committee members said the arcade could lead to problems of anti-social behaviour and act as a magnet for trouble-makers.

Councillor Les Bullock said the Hednesford Road spot was not the right place for an arcade.

"Heath Hayes is not a town it is a village and an amusement arcade would exacerbate problems that already exist," he said.

"It is in no way a thriving retail centre and this is a totally inappropriate development."

Councillor Doris Grice agreed the arcade should not be allowed to open.

"It encourages kids to gamble and they get hooked on the machines, it has happened before," she said.

The plans sparked fears from residents and councillors that youths would congregate outside drinking and causing a nuisance.

Objectors also claimed the arcade would increase the problem of gambling addiction.

Committee members visited the premises, located between the Spar store and Heath Hayes Library, to have a look around before making a decision yesterday.

Councillors had put off making a decision on the plans at a previous committee meeting after Councillor Diane Todd called for a site visit to examine the site.

Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council also spoke out against the arcade, saying that it was inappropriate for the location.