Fresh hope for new £6.8m bingo dream in Blackpool

Plans to demolish a Blackpool pub and replace it with a £6.8m bingo hall are now being recommended for approval.
The Swift Hound pub could make way for a new bingo hallThe Swift Hound pub could make way for a new bingo hall
The Swift Hound pub could make way for a new bingo hall

Last month planners at Blackpool Council had been recommended to refuse the application to redevelop the site of the Swift Hound pub at the Festival Retail Park on Rigby Road.

Officers raised concerns because the scheme was not based in the town centre.

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But after councillors deferred the scheme, it is now to be looked at again by Blackpool Council planners on July 17.

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Officers now say the applicant has done enough for it to merit approval.

The report stated: “Given that the applicant has demonstrated that there are no sequentially preferable sites available that are suitable for the development proposed, and the design of the bingo hall has been amended and is considered to be satisfactory, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.”

The project would see the pub replaced with a Club 3000 Bingo and a drive-through restaurant.

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Officers initially said the application failed to meet planning policy designed to safeguard the prosperity of the town centre.

The retail park is already home to an Odeon cinema, a Bannatyne’s gym, a McDonald’s with drive-through, and Frankie & Benny’s diner.

The bingo scheme would create 55 full-time jobs.

The applicant considered other town centre sites, including the former BHS store, but they were deemed unsuitable.

Town centre

The applicant had considered other sites actually in the town centre,including the former Post Office on Abingdon Street, but they were considered unsuitable for the project.