COUNCILLORS approved amendments to plans for a multi-million pound leisure complex for Great Yarmouth seafront this week.The Edge, a �35m casino leisure complex, already has local planning permission but Pleasure Beach boss Albert Jones moved to quash concerns from English Heritage over the impact of the South Denes development on the 144ft monument.

COUNCILLORS approved amendments to plans for a multi-million pound leisure complex for Great Yarmouth seafront this week.

The Edge, a �35m casino leisure complex, already has local planning permission but Pleasure Beach boss Albert Jones moved to quash concerns from English Heritage over the impact of the South Denes development on the 144ft monument.

Minor changes have been made to the blueprints to address concerns after English Heritage threatened to call in a planning inspector over the proposals which they dubbed as “blocky”.

The multi-storey car park at the complex has been reduced in length so it is no longer visible from the base of the monument. However, to offset the loss of spaces the car park has increased in height from 8.5m to 11m.

The design of the hotel has also been altered so it does not infringe on the view from the monument.

In a report to Yarmouth Borough Council, Trudi Hughes of English Heritage, said: “The impact of the scheme as now proposed on Nelson's Monument is significantly reduced.

“We therefore believe it would no longer be appropriate to request the secretary of state to call the application in for a public inquiry and no longer wish to oppose the granting of planning permission.”

The Edge will house a bowling alley, restaurants and bars along with an Aspers casino and is expected to create around 1,000 jobs.

However, it could be up to 18 months before any large casino licence is granted