PLANS to develop an amusement and entertainment centre in Castlebar have been rejected.

Planning permission was sought by Sean Coleman for the project at an existing retail unit on Duke Street, located behind Sports World.

The property has been vacant for many years.

Documents submitted to council planners set out how the property, if given the go ahead, would be a professionally managed amusement and entertainment centre, with a range of electronic games such as Iron Man 2 and Frankie Dettori’s Magic 7 for customers.

It would operate a strict over 18s only policy.

Internal planning documents said the applicant had quoted a number of games which appeared to be gambling/slot machines, which is in line with a gaming arcade use.

As per the current development plan, this use was not permitted.

A recommendation was made to refuse permission.