The legal beagles are beginning to show their teeth with assertive challenges to unsubstantiated opposition arguments against AGC applications. The latest on the offence was Haris Kasuji who declared “there is no justifiable planning grounds to refuse this application” when putting the case for Luxury Leisure’s extended hours application in Scarborough.

Luxury Leisure’s legal representatives have strongly challenged objections against plans to extend the opening hours of its Admiral AGC in Scarborough, arguing there were no justifiable planning grounds for refusing the application.

The operator’s east coast venue, currently restricted to 8am until midnight, sought to become a 24 hour offering, but faced opposition from residents and North Yorkshire Police over potential noise and antisocial behaviour.

Representing Luxury Leisure, Haris Kasuji told councillors: “There are no justifiable planning grounds to refuse this application.”

He argued that the operator had not submitted the original application and “would never have agreed to the conditions that were originally proposed”.

Kasuji added: “Just because other uses on the street may not operate 24 hours a day is not a valid planning justification to refuse consent.”

Maintaining that the extended hours would not adversely affect neighbouring properties, he insisted: “There is no harm to amenity, and this is already proven.”

North Yorkshire Police opposed the application, citing the premises’ location in an area with high levels of crime and disorder, while residents raised concerns about late-night disturbance – although no supporting evidence was offered.

Despite Luxury Leisure’s evidence-backed arguments, councillors unanimously rejected the application, retaining the existing opening hours.