Plans to turn former bank into nightclub in Middleton refused over anti-social behaviour fears

Plans to turn a former bank into a nightclub have been refused due to fears it could worsen problems in an ‘anti-social behaviour hotspot’.

It means a new use is still to be found for the old Royal Bank of Scotland, in Middleton town centre. The building has been vacant for nearly two years.

Laaj Enterprises had wanted to create a new nightspot next door to the Assheton Arms, in Market Place – part of which is Grade II listed.

Speaking on the behalf of the applicant, Edwin Ndenguma told a meeting of Rochdale Council’s planning committee of the benefits he hoped it would bring to the area.

However, he caused some confusion by referring to restaurant, sports bar and community uses, while the proposal was purely for a change of use to a nightclub.

Mr Ndenguma said it would be a place where ‘families and friends come and enjoy themselves’ and he also hoped to be able to show live football matches when ‘everything goes back to normal’.

“We think the community would benefit from that,” he said, while adding that a new venue would create jobs and boost the local economy by attracting more people to the area.”

The RBS building sits within the town centre conservation area and retains its historic facade dating back to the late 19th century.

Dozens of residents have objected to the plans to convert it into a nightclub.

North Middleton ward councillor Kallum Nolan told the meeting that Market Place had a long history of problems with crime and anti-social behaviour. The closing down of Infinity Bar following a ‘Mad Friday’ last year brawl being a case in point.

He said: “I will be honest, if this was anywhere else in Middleton it would have my full support. I’m a councillor who wants to champion our evening economy and wants to fill our empty buildings as well.

“I’m at a genuine conflict, here. I do want to see the buildings along that stretch in Market Place filled. But it does have to be something that will improve the area and take into account that the specific area – not so much the town centre – is a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.”

Referring to recent trouble in the area that required a ‘huge police presence’, Councillor Nolan said that granting permission for a nightclub would be ‘asking for more anti-social behaviour and more strain on our overworked police officers’.

He added “I can tell you a nightclub here will not make Middleton more vibrant, it won’t help that. It will be a place people go to drink alcohol when the other pubs shut.” 

Several councillors raised concerns that the applicant was not clear about his intentions for the building. They were advised the proposal was for a change of use to a nightclub and restaurant and other uses would have to be applied for separately.

Councillor Phil Burke was also unhappy about the level of detail provided regarding capacity, disabled access and fire safety procedures – although not all of these fall within the remit of the planning committee.

However, others felt the committee was drifting too much into licensing issues – which are dealt with separately. Councillor Shaun O’Neill also said he was worried that leaving the building vacant could create a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

But the panel ultimately backed Councillor John Taylor’s motion to refuse the application on the grounds that anti-social behaviour was ‘at odds’ with the character of the conservation area.

Five members voted for Councillor Taylor’s motion, two voted against th motion and four abstained.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter