New bar gets go ahead from Blackpool Council planners

The venue, which will be called The G.O.A.T., is set to open in premises on Highfield Road in South Shore.

Operators David Ragozzino and Dean Reynolds were granted an alcohol licence by Blackpool Council in May, and have now secured planning permission with officers using their delegated powers to approve the application.

However, conditions have been attached to ensure the bar is sound-proofed after neighbours, including one who runs a counselling service, raised objections.

The objector, representing the REST Foundation which supports families who have lost someone to suicide, warned the location of the bar was "inappropriate".

They added: "I further wish to state that Highfield Road is a family area, home to many vulnerable families hosting a park and community hub.

"If this area is to remain a family area, we should be promoting family-orientated commercial business and investing in minimisation of the existing antisocial behaviour on the road."

The venue is set to be converted into a sports bar as part of a development by owners who are already involved with the Armfield Club on Bloomfield Road.

The premises licence allows the sale of alcohol between 11am and 11pm Monday to Wednesday; between 11am and midnight Thursday to Saturday and midday until midnight on Sundays.

It was granted with conditions including a ban on live music and the installation of sound insulation measures to protect neighbouring properties.

The scheme, to convert the former Ms Anna's Emporium shop into the new bar which would be able to seat up to 80 people, will also create up to 10 jobs.

A council report setting out the reasons for approving planning permission says Highfield Road is already a busy commercial street where residents can expect higher than average noise levels.  A condition has been attached in relation to sound-proofing, and the council has powers to review the alcohol licence if the requirements are not met. 

The report adds the "use proposed is considered to be broadly compatible with the character and function" of the surrounding area, and says "sufficient safeguards have been put in place to ensure that no unacceptable impact on residential amenity would result."