AN AMUSEMENT arcade operator has warned of redundancies if plans for a casino in the town are approved.

The operator of Bailey’s Amusement’s and Café on Dalton Road, Barrow, said in a planning consultation document they believe the business would have to make redundancies if plans to convert the former Shoezone into an Admiral Casino are given the go-ahead.

Plans were lodged earlier in July by Luxury Leisure to convert the former Shoezone, also on Dalton Road, into a 24-hour Admiral-operated adult gaming centre (ACG).

Planning documents say the opening hours at the proposed casino are ‘critical’ to provide a ‘commercially sensitive operation’ and make a ‘positive contribution’ to town centre viability.

However, the operator of Bailey’s Amusement’s and Café, which employs five people, said they believe the business would have to make ‘at least two people redundant’ if the plans for the casino are approved.

The response to the planning application said there used to be three amusement arcades on Dalton Road in 2007 however two closed down due to ‘lack of business.’

According to the response, Bailey’s Amusement’s and Café has also cut its opening hours from 9am to 9pm to 9am to 4pm due to ‘lack of footfall’.

However, according to Luxury Leisure, the proposed gaming centre would generate additional footfall in the town centre with survey data and evidence from other Admiral-operated sites suggesting that visits contribute to the success of other surrounding retailers through linked trips.

The planning statement says: “The proposed AGC would therefore have positive benefits to the wider town centre through bringing visitors into the town centre who would likely use other local services and facilities.”

Planning documents submitted by the applicant also look to address potential concerns relating to noise from the site.

Plans say sound insulation is used within all premises to shield surrounding occupiers from any noise and any music played within the premises is always at a background level. The planning statement also states there are no residential properties within a range of the site which could be impacted by noise.

Plans add: “This area of the town centre already has a number of late-night activities such as bars and restaurants. Any noise generation associated with the proposed AGC must be seen in this context and, regardless, any noise and disturbance associated with the proposed use would be significantly less than that associated with other evening economy type uses.

“Admiral units do not serve alcohol, nor do they allow the consumption of alcohol on-site. This helps to mitigate the potential for anti-social behaviour and thus further prevent adverse impacts on residential amenity.”

Planning documents add the proposed casino would create 12 jobs in the area.

The planning application is currently undergoing public consultation.