Demolition Of Former ‘Peppers’ Nightclub Put On Hold

The demolition of a former town centre nightclub has been put on hold following concerns over limited car parking and community safety.

Initially it was recommended that former ‘Sergeant Peppers’ Club on Bridge Street was demolished and replaced with a four storey building, which would comprise of a ground floor restaurant and ten flats.

Planning Officer David Williams told the meeting that the restaurant and flats could ‘act as a catalyst for new development on Bridge Street and Brook Street’, adding: “This is regeneration in an area in desperate need for redevelopment.

Councillor Paul Pemberton supported the application, stating: “This is one of main routes to town and opportunity to tidy up this end. There is car parking in middle of town, bus routes and a station up the road. There are a tremendous amount of car parks up the road that could be used.

However while the application was largely commended for regenerating that particular area of town, councillors last night voted in favour of a site visit after concerns were raised over community safety and lack of car parking space.

The scheme includes for six off road parking spaces to the rear of the new building with access being taken from the existing vehicular access point on Bridge Street. There would also be no car parking space provided for the restaurant.

Councillor Alun Jenkins, who put forward the recommendation for a site visit said: “In my mind I have no problem with the demolition of the nightclub, it is an improved scheme. Despite the reduction in flats it still appears this is an over intensive use of land.”

Cllr Jenkins also raised comments on how the proposed car parking for the flats does not meet the maximum parking standards.

Mr Williams told the meeting that due to the location of the proposed development standards should be applied ‘fairly sensibly’, with the flats and restaurant within walking distance of facilities and car parks.

Concerns were also raised on the community safety element of the proposal, with Cllr Jenkins who said an alleyway down the side of the flats could be ‘abused by anti social behaviour’.

Mr Williams told the meeting that a condition could be introduced to allow for some gated access to the flats.

The Planning Committee voted unanimously in favour of a site visit to look at the issues of parking and community safety further.