New Blackpool bar gets go ahead from town hall

Town hall planners have approved an application to convert a former estate agent's on Whitegate Drive, near the junction with Palatine Road, into an eating and drinking destination.

But measures will be taken to prevent late-night noise disturbing nearby residents.

The scheme, which was approved under delegated powers, will see an extension built on the rear of the property plus an external seating area created.

Concerns were raised about potential noise disruption for people living in the area and the outdoor area can only be used until 9pm.

A report by planners as part of the decision notice says: "The use of the forecourt as a seating area has the potential to generate noise into the evening.

"In order to protect residential amenity, it is considered necessary to restrict the use of the forecourt for drinking until 9pm.

"Customers could still congregate outside to smoke which would generate noise, however the relatively modest size of the venue would naturally limit the number of people likely to stand outside and therefore limit noise levels."

The report added the area has "a reasonably active night time economy" with nearby pubs including Number 3 and The Belle Vue which were both refurbished last year, plus other restaurants and take-aways.

It says: "Economically the proposal would bring a currently vacant property in a district centre back into beneficial use and patrons may support other shops and services within the centre."