AN independent gaming shop in Poole has been given planning permission to relocate to an industrial unit after its first bid was refused.

Entoyment, a store for wargaming hobbyists, has outgrown its Ashley Road premises and owner Peter Valinsky has been trying to move to a bigger site for the last two years.

Despite viewing many other premises, a unit at Fleetsbridge Business Centre proved to be the only suitable site.

Mr Valinsky’s first planning application for the unit was refused by the council due to insufficient parking and increased pedestrian footfall in a commercial area.

However, in his latest proposals for the unit he was able to address the council’s concerns.

In a statement to planners, he said: “There are a minimum of 14 parking spaces available during the day, which is more than adequate for our day time requirements.

“We believe there is more than ample safe parking for our customers, even if we were full to capacity for tournaments, and especially since the majority of our business occurs during the evenings and weekends.”

Planning officer Helen Harris said concerns over highway safety “are now overcome”.

“The applicant has demonstrated that the premises has been marketed (unsuccessfully) and that there is a lack of readily available, suitable sites for the proposed use.

“There is community demand for the enterprise and a lack of opportunity to expand elsewhere in the borough of Poole. There would be economic benefit to keep a regionally recognised user in the area, and the assessments provided demonstrate that attempts have been made to find more appropriate premises.”

Entoyment, which was established in 2014, holds regular gaming events, and the business has “grown extensively in recent years”, Mr Valinksy said.

He is proposing to hold events on weekends only.

“Relocation to a larger premises with more suitable accommodation for a gaming venue is necessary within the local area in order to better serve the existing and growing customer base and allow the business to expand,” he said.

Wargame hobbyists sent letters supporting the plans to the council.

Tom Rayer said wargamers required “a venue where we can meet and grow our community.”

And Andrew Sanders said a “wonderful gaming community” was associated with the shop.