Odds not good for bookies plan

The proposal, by Toals Bookmakers, involved demolishing the existing retail premises at 6 Harbour Road, removing part of the adjacent yard and constructing a new building.

The Planning Service rejected the application on the grounds that the site was within a conservation area and would have detracted from the character and appearance of the area.

It was also claimed that the development “did not respect the characteristics of adjoining buildings” and that it would “interrupt important views” in the area. Planners also feared that the development would have “adversely affected the setting” of the nearby Londonderry Arms Hotel.