A former McDonald's restaurant in West Bromwich High Street will be converted into a 24/7 casino and tanning salon. High street gambling firm Shipley's revealed plans to relocate its West Bromwich casino to the town's empty former McDonald's to open alongside a new tanning salon as part of a planning application to Sandwell Council earlier this year.
The application asked for permission to open a 24/7 casino at the former fast food restaurant in Duchess Parade, High Street, West Bromwich, relocating from its premises in nearby Kings Square. Tan Express, which would also open 24 hours a day, would move into the first floor as part of a £600,000 refurbishment that would bring 14 jobs.
Approving the move, the council's planners said: "The bingo premises and tanning studio would both have a 24-hour use and would therefore contribute to the evening economy and would be appropriate to the main town and the bringing back a vacant commercial unit into use would contribute to the viability of the town centre."
A statement included with the application said: "We conclude that the proposed development is compliant with the key planning policies, is sustainable development and should be supported because the site is a town centre location that is entirely appropriate for a bingo centre and tanning salon and the proposal will support the vitality and viability of commercial uses within a designated town centre. The operator of these premises is a responsible and experienced licensed operator who will ensure that the proposed use will have no unacceptable impact on the amenity, health or safety of the local community, including nearby residents. There will be no unacceptable noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour or other similar impact on amenity caused by opening 24/7 hours. The applicant's operating policies will contribute positively to the safety and security of the location and the proposal will provide long-term and sustainable investment to the site, including new jobs for the local community and prevent a vacant unit on the high street."
