August 30, 2022 10.45 am This story is over 31 months old

24-hour gaming centre plans for Lincoln High Street refused

One business said it would lead to ‘unacceptable levels of disturbance’
Admiral Slots applied to convert the White Stuff store into a gaming centre | Photo: Jamie Waller/LDRS

A 24-hour adult gaming centre has been refused permission to move into the Lincoln White Stuff premises.

The fashion shop on Lincoln High Street confirmed earlier this year that it would be looking to move to a larger premises.

Admiral Slots submitted an application to change the ground floor’s use, remodel it and install signs.

This has been denied by the City of Lincoln Council’s planning department.

The application, submitted by Luxury Leisure, asked for a gaming centre which could include fruit or slot machines, and the ability to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A local business warned that it could lead to anti-social behaviour.

“Allowing the requested 24 hour opening of a further gambling-related use will potentially also lead to unacceptable levels of disturbance and anti-social behaviour,” the written statement says.

The rejected plans for the gaming centre | Photo: Luxury Leisure

It adds: “We would note that three betting officers are already located immediately in close proximity of the site. Two further Adult Gaming Centres also trade nearby.”

The reasons for the refusal by council officers haven’t been published yet.

The application attracted 33 comments from members of the public, although these are no longer available to view online.

The designs would have seen a lobby added to the high street and New Admiral Casino branding to the front.

Body Lipo, which occupies the floor above White Stuff, wasn’t affected by any plans.

White Stuff confirmed in May that was looking for bigger premises, but didn’t give out details of when or where the move is planned. The store is continuing to operate from its current location for now.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are happy to be part of the Lincoln community, where we’ve traded successfully for many years. We are looking to relocate to take advantage of a bigger space.”