Ma Kelly's plan for Blackpool venue thrown out

Blackpool Council’s planning committee last night turned down an application to build a single storey extension to form a sports bar at Ma Kelly’s Showboat on Queens Promenade.

The scheme had been recommended for approval despite an objection from the owners of the neighbouring Elgin Hotel.

They claimed there had already been a number of noise-related incidents and warned these would increase if the extension was allowed.

Nigel Seddon, owner of the Elgin, said: “We’re not killjoys, but we have a great deal invested in looking after our guests and the impact on them.

“The plan is vague. There is no condition to say you can’t have live music here, or a karaoke bar and it’s right alongside our property.”

Planning officers said they were satisfied with a noise assessment report, and Ma Kelly’s had also agreed to limit use of the front door into the extension by customers until 9pm.

Chris Hermolle, agent for Ma Kelly’s, told the meeting: “In order to make the building more sustainable the proposal is to extend the sports bar and provide additional accommodation for snooker, darts etc.”

The venue, which Ma Kelly’s took over last year, already has a cabaret area.

But planning committee chairman Coun Lynn Williams said: “This is a quieter area, and my concern is the impact on the residents of the hotel. I think it’s overdevelopment of the site.”