Microbar planned for former Preston betting shop

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 07:20

By Paul Faulkner - LDRS

A former betting shop in a residential area of Preston could become a microbar.

The one-time Betfred premises, at the junction of Watling Street Road and Langcliffe Road, would also include a cafe if plans for its conversion are given the go-ahead.

The bookmakers – the end unit in a block of shops in the Brookfield ward of the city – closed down almost two years ago.

An application lodged with Preston City Council indicates that the venture would be open between 8am and midnight, seven days a week.

The proposal, submitted under the name of “Sapphire Properties” – believed to be Preston-based Sapphire Properties Investment Limited – also states that the business would create five full-time jobs.

A noise assessment carried out to accompany the application concludes that the impact of the sound likely to be generated by the proposed facility should not preclude it from being given the go-ahead – provided “suitably-worded conditions” are attached to any planning permission ultimately granted.

To that end, the report – drawn up by Martec Environmental Consultants Ltd. – recommends any externally-fitted equipment installed as part of the revamp should be designed to ensure noise levels outside the nearest habitable rooms of neighbouring properties are no higher than five decibels above the existing night-time background noise level. It also states that suitable sound insulation should be fitted for the benefit of the apartment that sits above the retail unit.

The application explains that private bin collections would be arranged either on a daily basis or “as required” in order to ensure waste was regularly removed from the premises.