A new sports bar in Tamworth has taken over a unit left empty by Wilko.
Daily Focus reported earlier this year that Castle Sports Lounge had applied to Tamworth Borough Council for permission to change the use of the Market Street building from retail use.
Planning permission has since been granted and the unit has undergone a transformation.
The first customers were welcomed at the end of last month.
Applicant Nigel Buckler had previously said it was a venue that Tamworth was “crying out for” and that it would offer snooker, pool and darts to the disabled community.
The plans received a mixed response from people in the town during the consultation period.
Whilst nine people made comments of support, the plans prompted 15 objections from people who said the facility was not what the town centre needed and commented on the loss of retail space being to the detriment of the town centre.
However, the plans were passed by planning officers using delegated powers.
A planning officer’s report states: “The proposed change of use is acceptable in principle and would not have a detrimental impact on the street scene as no external changes are proposed with this application.
Neighbouring properties are largely commercial with some residential however the impact on neighbours is considered not to be significant.
“The proposed on-site parking situation is considered acceptable and will not cause significant harm to highway safety.”
