Plans to convert a former historic bingo club into a takeaway have been given the go ahead after a Government inspector overruled the local planning committee. The controversial plans to develop the old Palace Bingo and Social Club in South Tyneside into a restaurant and two retail units, was declined earlier this year.

The council had approved the conversion of the site, but permission was withheld for a takeaway based on the disturbance additional noise, cooking smells and traffic would cause to local residents.

The Palace was built in the 1920s as a movie house and retains its original and distinctive frontage. Subsequently the premise was converted to a bingo club and since shutting its doors a number of years ago has become somewhat of an eyesore. It is surprising therefore that the council has opposed the development given the difficult economic times and the fact that as a bingo club the premises would have had bought around similar disturbances to local residents.

The applicants, Real Estates Limited, appealed the decision to Government planning inspector Graham Snowdon, and the inspector decided the council’s objections “unreasonable and unnecessary”.

Mr Snowdon said in a report to the council: “It is common practice for restaurants to offer an ancillary takeaway service. I accept this is often necessary to the economic viability of the business.

“I consider that the level of takeaway sales likely to be involved would be insignificant.

“There are also other leisure and takeaway issues in the immediate vicinity, which are likely to generate significant evening activity.

“Against this backdrop, I consider the noise and disturbance generated by an ancillary takeaway service at the proposed restaurant is likely to be minimal.

“I conclude, therefore, that the decision in dispute is unreasonable and unnecessary.”

Labour councillor for Boldon Colliery, Alison Strike, said she was disappointed at the inspector’s decision claiming: “The planning committee opposed the takeaway element to this application and rejected it.

“Now the Government inspector has taken it out of our hands, which is disappointing.

“Our main concern was the potential for inconvenience for local residents from the operation of the takeaway.

“I’m sure my fellow Boldon Colliery councillors will share my disappointment too.”