A FURNITURE store could soon be turned into a nightclub.

Mr & Mrs Sexton won planning permission this week to convert their premises in Alforde Street - opposite the former Widnes market - into a nightclub.

Plans to turn it into a wine bar and bistro had already been granted in 1995.

Five letters of objection were submitted to Halton Council - one signed by five residents.

People living nearby are concerned about the noise nuisance and disturbance, anti-social behaviour and lack of parking.

The Hospital Trust expressed concern that the nightclub would conflict with the therapeutic environment of their mental health clinic across the road.

Up to 12 people will be employed at the nightclub, which will have two dancefloors.

The area is zoned as a business district in the Local Plan, members of the development control and licensing committee were told last Monday.

A refusal in 1995 to allow a wine bar and bistro at 2 Ollier Street, also in the business district, was challenged on appeal and allowed. Councillors had refused this application because they felt it was too close to housing.

The inspector concluded that potential nuisance such as noise could be controlled by the proper use of conditions.

Councillors said they were concerned about the proximity of the nightclub to housing in Margaret Court.

The applicant has undertaken an independent noise study and supplied additional plans to show how the noise emission could be kept below recommended levels.

Councillors said they realised the nightclub was an emotive issue but, planning applications cannot be refused for non-planning reasons.

Potential nuisance, they said, can be controlled.

The plans were approved subject to condition including the successful completion of the proposed noise abatement scheme.

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