Owners of Rochdale bar fear people in planned flats next door might complain – leaving them in ‘Night and Day Cafe’ situation

The owners of a bar in Rochdale say they’re worried people living in flats planned next door might complaint – leaving them in a situation similar to Night and Day Cafe in Manchester city centre.

Jon Riley, owner of Hoochi Koochi on South Parade, says his live music venue could face the same issues as the popular Northern Quarter bar if plans for three flats in the adjoining building get the nod from Rochdale Council.

Hoochi Koochi is next to the old Pacific Bar nightclub at 8 South Parade where developers have submitted plans for a new takeaway on the ground floor, with three flats above.

Jon says he has no issue with the takeaway proposals, but believes that if people move into the apartments above, noise complaints could follow. He says it could leave him in a situation like Night and Day Cafe in Manchester.

The well-known city centre bar is back in court this week as the row over noise levels rumbles on – more than two years after a noise abatement notice was issued by Manchester Council.

“We don’t want to be in the same situation as the Night and Day Cafe,” Jon said. “If this has happened to them it is frightening to think that it could become the norm nationally.

“We don’t want the same thing to happen to us. We don’t want to be in the same situation as we don’t have the same reputation as them.

“Night and Day Cafe has been going for decades. We’ve only been in business for a few years, but we are going from strength to strength.”

Jon has run the late-night bar for more than three years with his father-in-law John McFarland. Plans for the takeaway and flats have not yet been decided on by the council. Some 50 objections have already been raised.

Jon says his building used to be connected to the neighbouring site, until doorways were bricked up.

“Soundproofing that old building will be like opening up a can of worms,” he added. “We are extremely well-liked by the community as we are one of the only alternative venues in Rochdale.

“We welcome anyone into our bar. We are very diverse with our clientele. It is brilliant getting those messages of support from the regulars.”

Hundreds have signed a petition supporting Jon’s position, which can be signed here: www.change.org/p/object-planning-application-23-01171-ful-stop-the-flats-help-save-hoochi-koochi

Anyone wishing to object or support the application can do so via the council's planning portal: https://publicaccess.rochdale.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=S31GGXNBFFX00

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter