The application, for an amusement arcade for over l8s with a retail frontage was made by Stocke Enterprises Ltd, and has been given a temporary one year consent. During the 12 month trial the impact of the arcade will be assessed.
Objections had been made to the application because of fears of noise and disturbance by youngsters, and increasing litter, as well as concerns about loss of a retail unit, and unsuitable use in a residential area. This is because the arcade will be sited at Unit 2 Pondbridge House, Cannon Hill - near elderly people's accommodation.
Petitions had been received detailing unsocial behaviour residents said they were currently experiencing, such as damage to plants and garden slabs, and broken windows. They were afraid such experiences may increase with an amusement centre attracting more people to the area.
An objection from one local shop explained: 'The lifeblood of the town centre is shopping facilities attracting a flow of shoppers. An amusement arcade will reduce the flow and erode the character of the town.' Liskeard town council had objected as they said the application would not contribute to the town's economy.
Caradon's planning officers had recommended approval, with conditions. They explained Liskeard currently has a policy restricting the amount of non retail uses within the primary shopping area to 30%, but the percentage in this area is, at the moment, less than this.