BETS ON AS TOWN CENTRE CASINO PROPOSALS BACK

The recommendation had been to refuse the application, but in a surprise change of fortunes the majority of councillors spoke positively about the proposal. They voted to defer a decision until conditions were made tighter.

The turn around happened after the applicant, Mr Peter Stavri of We Make it Happen enterprises, agreed to provide 15 high-quality en-suite rooms within the existing hotel and change the entrance to Harold Place.

The new entrance would also take into consideration the Victorian features of the ballroom.

Cllr Godfrey Daniel said: "The Queens Hotel has always been a marker for Hastings' success. When it was empty and decaying Hastings was in decline '” this is an exciting opportunity to show that Hastings is on its way up. We should grasp the moment.

"A properly run casino would be a benefit to this town, as long as we are assured about its use and it is not turned into an amusement arcade. I think this could be a very positive way forward. Wouldn't it be nice for Queens Hotel to become a hotel again?"

Cllr Ronald Rushbrook, however, believed the proposal to include 15 rooms in the building would lessen the effect of the casino's surroundings.

He said: "I think the casino is a good idea, but in my limited experience of casinos I believe they need to be spacious to give the right ambience. A proper casino needs proper space."

Cllr Mike Bigg said: "This is an unique opportunity for Hastings to grow economically and to bring The Queens Hotel to life again. I think the entrance is the key to how we view it."

Having reservations on the night was cllr Jon Waite, the only member who was less than enthusiastic over proposals for the gambling venue.

The majority of members on the planning board agreed they were thinking in terms of a facility with roulette and Black Jack, quiet music and refreshments not a place packed with fruit machines, drunk teenagers and loud music. They believed deferring the decision would allow for tighter conditions to be made to ensure a more up-market establishment.

The decision on whether to grant planning permission will now take place at next month's planning meeting, after further consultation has taken place.

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