Snooker room plan is rejected

Controversial proposals to create a snooker and games room for the community have been rejected by councillors, over concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.

Members of the Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee refused plans to convert a disused shop at Dual House, Wellington Street, Batley into a space for people to play snooker and socialise with friends, at a meeting last Thursday.

They raised concerns over a “lack of continuous management” of the premises and said it could lead to an increase in the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour for local residents.

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Outlining their reason for refusal, they said: “This would outweigh the benefits of the re-use of the vacant building and fail to create a sage and accessible environment, significantly undermining the quality of life of the local community.”

The planning committee was told that a petition with 202 signatures was received in support of the application. It said the building would “provide much needed facilities for Batley” and would not “cause problems” for neighbours.

A petition with 43 signatures was also lodged in objection, and concerns were raised over possible high volumes of traffic, inadequate parking, noise and a potential increase in crime.

Further representations were made after a committee meeting in February, when members agreed to defer a decision on the plan.

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Police also objected to the proposed development, which was anticipated to have attracted 10 people per hour to socialise with friends, and play pool and snooker.

They said: “It is likely to cause an increase in serious anti-social behaviour, nuisance and criminality in the vicinity of the premises as well as a rise in the fear of crime and tensions within the local community”.

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