Councillors overturn arcade plan

Councillors overturn arcade plan

21 December 2022

LOCAL politicians have overturned a planners’ recommendation to approve plans for a new amusement arcade in Downpatrick town centre.

The application relates to a former hardware business in Market Street which recently opened as a new DIY and homeware store.

Members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee debated the planners’ recommendation last Wednesday and while a formal proposal was made to accept this, it was subsequently overturned by the committee.

Some councillors had warned that if the application was approved “it could set a dangerous precedent for future gambling outlets”.

Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin, who was opposed to the approval recommendation, has welcomed the decision to overturn the planners’ recommendation.

“Newry, Mourne and Down Council has undertaken the task of regenerating Downpatrick town centre and the offerings it provides to residents and visitors,” he said.

“Last week, over 50 businesses and community representatives attended a workshop showing how passionate they are about the town and the ambition they have for Downpatrick.”

Cllr Sharvin said the amusement arcade “goes fully against” the 

local authority’s objective of revitalising Downpatrick’s primary retail core.

He continued: “If the planning application had been successful, it would have resulted in a potential amusement arcade being at the heart of Downpatrick.

“There are no amusement arcades along Newry’s primary retail core and it is the same in Ballynahinch, Crossgar and Kilkeel.”

Cllr Sharvin argued that approving the application “would have set a worrying precedent” and said he was “extremely disappointed” that Sinn Fein councillor Mickey Larkin recommended the planners’ recommendation should be accepted, with his proposal seconded by the DUP’s Glyn Hanna.

However, when the issue was put to a vote, the planners’ recommendation was rejected by the Planning Committee.

Downpatrick Town Committee also objected to the arcade proposal.