Luxury Leisure has finally been granted a licence for its new AGC in North Shields’ Collingwood Centre, one year after first being refused planning permission by North Tyneside Council.

The authority’s licensing sub-committee approved the submission with no amendments last week, bringing to a close Luxury Leisure’s long battle to open a 24/7 Admiral venue in the former butcher’s shop.

“Luxury Leisure submitted a community assessment, including a report consisting of multiple days of observations at the site and existing Luxury Leisure venues in North Shields and Wallsend,” reported the Northumberland Gazette.

“The assessment, conducted by Levech Associates Ltd, found no cause for concern in relation to anti-social behaviour at the existing venues nor at the prospective Collingwood site.”

The security report said: “We have found Admiral provides excellent well managed and high-quality venues for its patrons in a safe and professional environment.”

Speaking on behalf of Luxury Leisure, KC Paul Greaney added: “There is no doubt that Luxury Leisure is a serious and responsible business.”