25 jobs on the way as new bingo hall to open in Dudley

Planning permission has been granted to enable Mecca Bingo to open its latest venue inside the old Select and Save shop on Dudley High Street.

The firm said it was keen to improve attractions on offer in Dudley by taking over the empty unit, and that it would be an investment of £850,000.

The proposal was recommended for approval by the council's planning officers, and given the green light at Monday's meeting of the development control committee.

"The unit has been vacant for over four years, and this clearly suggests that the site is not attractive for retail users," said agent Paul Derry, speaking at the planning meeting on behalf of applicants Mecca Bingo Ltd.

He added: "The change of use will result in a significant £850,000 investment into a building described as a negative contribution building in a conservation area character appraisal."

The bingo hall would be created under the brand name Luda, part of a chain of smaller clubs being created by Mecca Bingo's owners and which aim to appeal to younger players.

The popular bingo firm is keen to create another centre in the Black Country to add to existing sites in Bilston and Brierley Hill.

Bosses were left frustrated after a bid to launch in Walsall was refused in November and hoped to avoid similar problems in Dudley.

Expressing some doubts during the meeting was committee member Councillor Bryan Cotterill, who said: "We've got poorer people who may see it as a means of getting a little bit more wealthy, and they will spend what few pounds they've got on gambling and gamble it away. I feel quite concerned about this, in the middle of Dudley."

However vice-chairman, Councillor Keiran Casey, said: "To get £850,000 worth of investment into the store and to get 25 jobs for the local area – it is quite positive for the High Street."

Chair of the committee, Councillor Jackie Cowell, added: "Adults in this country are allowed to gamble and it is an accepted town centre use. It will bring the property back into use."

The plans were approved by a majority.

Dudley had a large bingo hall based at the town's famous Hippodrome theatre but it closed in 2009 and the company feels there is appetite for bingo to return.

Dudley councillor Ken Finch said he would welcome the addition of the bingo hall to the town centre.

He said: "Bingo is on its way back as regards to the general public's interest in it.

"Anything that brings trade and livens Dudley town centre can only be good."