New Birmingham nightclub ‘would be detrimental’ if given licence, say firms

Two firms have raised concerns over plans to turn a Hockley venue into a nightclub – claiming it would be ‘detrimental to the area’. Beets Lounge & Club LTD has applied for alcohol and late-night licences at its site in Barr Street.

But businesses operating on the same road have lodged objections over the proposals and called for Birmingham’s licencing committee to throw out the application. Developer Cordia Blackswan, set to build 148 residential apartments next door to the site, said anti-social behaviour from noisy revellers would “no doubt lead to complaints”.

Beets has sought permission for an alcohol licence to operate between 12pm and 2am, Monday to Thursday, and from midday until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. It has also applied for a music licence during the same hours.

It’s understood the site is not currently operating as a business. In an objection letter, Cordia Blackswan added: “We would like to object to this application as we believe it would be detrimental to the area.

“Furthermore, we own the neighbouring land which is due to undergo construction for the development of 148 residential apartments. A nightclub would have a very negative impact upon the lives of the residential occupation. It would no doubt lead to numerous complaints regarding noise and incidents occurring outside/inside 60 Barr Street due to the consumption of alcohol.

“We’re the owners of numerous sites within the vicinity of Barr Street, as it forms part of our masterplan to regenerate the local area. We feel the granting of such licence would hinder the regeneration process greatly.”

Central Picture Framing, the site’s immediate neighbours, said the proposed nightclub would “substantially disrupt” the day-to-day functioning of its own business. “We anticipate these extended hours could lead to an increase in waste generation and contribute to a rise in undesirable anti-social behaviour,” the firm added.

“We fully support the growth of businesses. However, as illustrated in the Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Plan, property owners should be encouraged to have tenants that are small or or growing skilled businesses, rather than establishments of a pub or bar nature.”

A decision on the application has been delayed after a licencing committee meeting was postponed due to the applicant being unable to attend. To view the planning proposals, click here.