A FIRE-HIT amusement arcade could be demolished after the Government refused to grant it listed building status.
J Noble and Sons Amusement arcade in Chester-le-Street was badly damaged by a blaze in February. But plans to redevelop the building had to be put on hold while the district council applied to the government to get the 18th Century building listed.
The council is in the process of turning the town centre into a conservation area, to reflect the heritage of the town.
It wants to gain listed building status for significant buildings in the town centre to preserve some of the historical feel of the town.
But the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has decided not to list the building, stating that in their view the building "is not of sufficient architectural or historic interest" to merit Listed Building Status.
As a result, owner Jason Noble has applied for planning permission to demolish the building, at 91 Front Street, and replace it with a three-storey property.
The ground floor would be used as an amusement arcade and caf, and the first and second storeys would be used for offices and storage.
The plans will go before councillors on Monday.
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