PLANS for another amusement arcade in Burnley town centre will be decided by councillors this week.

The application for change of use of the former Jean Junction shop in St James Street has been re-submitted, having been thrown out in March last year.

Councillors then refused the application, saying it would result in an over-provision of amusement arcades in that part of town, detract from the character of the shopping area and lead to a less pleasant environment for pedestrians and shoppers.

No appeal was lodged and the time limit for doing so has now expired.

Members of the council's development control and highways sub-committee on Thursday will be told that officers believe that, had an appeal been made against the earlier refusal, it was likely to have succeeded as the proposal complied with national and local planning policies.

Town centre manager Lisa Durkin has objected to the new application. She says it will not complement the retail mix and that a retail use or daytime cafe or bar would be more suitable.

With three amusement arcades already in the vicinity there would already appear to be an over-provision.

Her report to the committee adds: "The area is being promoted as a specialist retail and leisure area and this proposal does not meet this aim nor does it fit with the goal of improving our evening economy."

Planning officers report that the applicants already have planning permission for a high quality shop front scheme which would improve the appearance of the area and that the proposal is in line with planning guidance.

They say the introduction of one non-retail use in the block of shops, banks and building societies would not adversely affect the character of the shopping street. They recommend approval.