Councillors have approved plans to convert Wallsend's Buzz Bingo Hall into a "discount" shop.
The plans, submitted by BMW (UK) Trustees Ltd, were approved despite many residents complaining the conversion would remove a vital community space. The council recorded 395 public objections to the proposals.
Many residents objected and claimed changing the venue to a shop would disadvantage the elderly and women who value the bingo hall as a safe place to socialise.
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One resident commented: "As a local resident this bingo site is fantastic and we can't lose it! I have a disabled mother whose highlight is coming here and having a laugh with me and my sisters. It is a fantastic venue."
Another wrote: "I feel very strongly that this would have a detrimental effect on a lot of people particularly the elderly who are dependent on this bingo club as it's their main source of social activities and could not travel as far as Newcastle for the nearest hall. I personally have visited the bingo hall regularly and would find it a huge miss. Please refuse this application."
Buzz Group, in a written statement, said: "It is clear that the majority are our customers and are extremely upset and worried about the loss of this facility. Across the country, the reliance on private community provision for communities has increased, and their role is increasingly more valuable in maintaining social well-being. This is particularly the case as the role and function of local authority community provision has become constrained due to limited resources."
The applicant, in previous application documents, defended the proposals stating the shop would improve local consumer choice and boost employment. The shop will also provide customers with medicines, make-up, baby and household products, and a "limited" clothing range.
A council report on the application stated that although changing the venue would impact women and the elderly it was not a planning consideration for the committee. In addition, the report states there are other spaces the community can use.
Buzz Group maintains the lease on the property until August 2025 and has stated it has no intention to cancel its lease early.
