Luxury Leisure is to submit an appeal to Birmingham City Council after planners refused the company permission to open an Admiral AGC on Soho Road.

The plans for the former Bank of Baroda unit met with objections from a small number of residents, however a new proposal seeks to allay their concerns.

“There is no evidence to suggest such uses cause problem gambling or contribute towards other negative health and wellbeing outcomes,” states the appeal. “They offer a safe and monitored environment for visitors to game as a quasi-social activity.”

“Alleged risks to problem gamblers, young people and other vulnerable persons are matters relevant to licensing and management functions, not planning.”

If approved the AGC would create 12 new jobs, and contribute towards town centre vitality and viability in “two distinct ways.”

“Firstly, the proposal would sustain the active use of an existing high street premises that is at risk of long-term vacancy. Activity would be returned to the street frontage at this location in a scenario whereby the premises otherwise could be long term vacant.”

“Secondly, the proposed AGC would generate additional footfall in the centre with survey data and evidence from other Admiral-operated AGCs suggesting that visits contribute to the success of other surrounding retailers through linked trips.”