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.