A NEW casino could be coming to Hereford if planning permission is approved, with the applicant saying it would provide 'much-needed investment'.

Cashino Gaming want to open a unit on Commercial Street in a unit formerly occupied by department store Chadds, with the company already occupying a unit on Eign Street.

An application was previously submitted in November 2014 on behalf of Cashino's parent company, the Praesepe Group, to change the use of the unit from retail to amusement centre (sui generis). This was granted by the planning committee but has since expired.

The proposed casino, which would be between the shop which was previously JJB Sports and The Entertainer toy shop, would be spread over the ground floor and basement, with a staff area and office on the lower level.

The unit has been vacant since Chadds closed in 2009, with the applicant saying there would be 'no noisy machines or activities'. They say those features distinguish themselves from 'the arcades that cater for families and young people that incorporate music and interactive machines.'

Comments can be made until July 9 with a decision expected by July 30.