A decision on a Glasgow bar’s bid to become a nightclub has been delayed to allow noise levels to be assessed.
Planning officials turned down Cova’s bid to change the use of the venue at 57 West Regent Street in March but the bar’s bosses launched an appeal.
The council had ruled the nightclub would have a “significant” impact on nearby residents. However, the appeal branded noise concerns “nonsense”.
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Now, councillors on the review committee have asked for more information before they make a decision, requesting an acoustic report from the applicant.
Cova’s application revealed the owners want to extend the opening hours from midnight to 4am – a change which would also need to go before the city’s Licensing Board.
Council planners ruled the change of use would have a “significant impact on residential amenity, with “unacceptable” noise and disturbance at “unsociable” hours.
A report ahead of the appeal hearing added there are residential flats at 55 West Regent Street/65 Renfield Street. The adjoining property, 55 West Regent Street, has recently received planning permission for 96 serviced apartments, the report stated.
However, the appeal claimed no residents live in the B-listed five-storey building – 57 West Regent Street – or the adjoining buildings. “This is significant as the entire basis for the refusal is the alleged impact on residential amenity,” it added.
Cova’s agent claimed there are no issues with noise currently and there have been no complaints. “It is nonsense to suggest that in the heart of the largest city in Scotland that any noise after 12 midnight constitutes anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Ken Andrew, who chaired the review committee meeting on Tuesday, said “I think there is some information potentially missing here that might be helpful.
“Certainly in terms of a nightclub we are generally talking of some form of amplified music so perhaps an acoustic report is something we will need.”
He added the continuation was required as “we need this acoustic report to be able to make a proper and reasoned decision regarding this change of use to a nightclub”.
Cllr Kenny McLean said: “There is no noise assessment being offered so I have a difficulty if we are being asked to make a decision considering that. We don’t seem to have the necessary information.”
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