Plans put forward for 24-hour adult gaming centre

Plans have been submitted to turn a vacant former betting shop into a 24-hour adult gaming centre.

The proposal from Merkur Slots to Arun District Council is for the former William Hill shop in Bognor Regis High Street in West Sussex

Merkur Slots says it would offer bingo games and "slot gaming" products "designed to provide a modern casino feel".

The council has until 24 September to make a decision.

There are other gambling shops nearby, including the 24-hour Admiral Casino on London Road, and the applicant argues the proposal will not create an "over-concentration" as it is replacing an existing gambling venue.

The statement submitted with the application says the shop will "enhance the [town] centre's vitality, benefit the evening economy and reduce vacancy rates" while also creating 12 jobs.

A noise assessment was also submitted by Merkur due to the new proposed opening hours and the residential flats above, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It found acoustic measures would need to be installed and it would have to ensure noise remained at an acceptable level with background music only.

Merkur, which is regulated and licenced by the Gambling Commission, operates more than 230 adult gaming centres and casinos.

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