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£2m amusement park gets go-ahead
THE go-ahead has been given for a new £2m amusement complex on South Shields seafront.
Fairground operator Michael Sheeran has won approval to build the two-storey indoor centre at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park – despite opposition from other members of his family.
The scheme in Sea Road involves an entertainment centre, a children's amusement park, 4D cinema, go-karting facility and a bar/restaurant.
The plan had angered some tenants and operators at the park, including other members of the Sheeran family.
They claimed the building would dominate the open frontage of the amusement park and also threatened the livelihood of smaller tenants.
But members of the council's planning committee approved the plan yesterday.
The committee did, however, attach conditions to the granting of planning permission.
Mr Sheeran will have to pay up to 15,000 to ensure traffic safety measures are introduced in the area.
And other restrictions have also been placed on the future use of the complex.
Coun John McCabe, committee chairman, said: "The application is for a go-karting section, a restaurant and the like.
"If they wanted to change the use of the building, they'll have to come back before the committee.
"They could carry out minor changes, but can't just go ahead and put in a load of slot machines."
Opponents had also claimed the building's bar could fuel alcohol-related problems in the area.
However, a report to the committee concluded the application "provides a good mix of activities and should enhance the amusement park".
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
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Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
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