A NEW strip club has lost an appeal to permanently extend its opening hours.
Playhouse Gentlemen's Club in London Road had submitted plans to operate from 9pm to 5am Sunday to Thursday and 6pm to 5am on Friday and Saturday.
Under previously approved plans, developers were given permission to turn Kelly’s Bar into a gentleman's club which would operate until 2am.
However, a further licence approved by Southampton City Council allowed the business to stay open for three extra hours for one year only.
Now the special licence is due to expire next month (on August 26), the venue will have to shut at 2am.
An appeal against the council's refusal to further opening hours has been thrown out over concerns over the noise and disturbance it would cause.
READ MORE: Plans for strip club in heart of Southampton to be decided
In the appeal decision, Inspector R E Jones said: "The proposal would have a significant detrimental effect on the living conditions of occupiers of nearby residential properties, with particular reference to noise and disturbance.
"The proposal would provide an economic boost to the local area through additional employment and attracting people to the locality.
"However, those new jobs and the additional spending could still be generated up until the current opening hours at the premises, and a significant increase in local employment and trade, over and above the current situation, is unlikely.
"Accordingly, this matter attracts only minor weight and would not overcome the significant harm I have identified."
The decision comes despite applicant Nightlife Clubs Ltd arguing there would be "no adverse impact from the extended opening hours".
READ MORE: Plans for strip club in London Road in Southampton approved
The report states: "The previous nightclub use, with a capacity of 400 patrons, would be relinquished.
"The Gentleman’s Club would have a much-reduced capacity of 120 customers, while management policies seek to gradually restrict admissions to the premises from 100 patrons at 02.00am to 10-20 patrons by 05.00am (closing time).
"Further proposals to reduce the intensity of the number of patrons leaving the premises and dispersing into surrounding streets include a bespoke taxi service."
The application for the change of hours was made on July 28 last year.
The appeal was lodged after plans were refused on October 15.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel