PLANNING chiefs are recommended to approve proposals for a town centre gaming site with slot machines.

Cashino Gaming Ltd’s application for the Bridge Street premises will come before the development management committee during its virtual meeting today, Wednesday.

It proposes the subdivision and change of use of the site from retail to an adult gaming centre, along with alterations to the shop front.

The vacant site was formerly occupied by JD Sports. The building is three storeys high with an additional basement – although the proposal only relates to the ground floor.

A decision over the plans was deferred last month.

The committee was told that there is a likelihood in all probability that correspondence was not received by residents in a ‘timely way’ to enable them to submit representations.

Four objections have been submitted over the application.

One says six new jobs is not worth people ‘becoming addicted’.

Cllr Tom Jennings (LAB – Bewsey and Whitecross), cabinet member for economic development and innovation, had requested the application be presented to the committee if the recommendation was to approve.

He said: “The intended use is an already saturated market in the town centre and I don’t believe a desirable investment when considering the council’s long-term vision for Bridge Street.”

The scheme has been recommended for approval subject to conditions.