Music fans fear new apartment blocks could put the future of a popular venue at risk.

Aspire Housing wants to redevelop the former site of the Zanzibar nightclub in Newcastle-under-Lyme with 63 affordable flats in two four-storey buildings.

But patrons of The Rigger are objecting to the plans, saying there would be 'inevitable conflict' between future residents and the venue, which sits on the other side of Marsh Parade to the development site.

They fear that noise complaints could threaten The Rigger's ability to trade, meaning one of the area's last remaining independent venues could be lost.

A total of 62 objections have been submitted to the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, with concerns also being raised over parking issues and loss of privacy. But planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval, saying it represents sustainable development of a brownfield site that accords with policy.

Members of the planning committee will consider the application when they meet on Tuesday, September 9.

One of the objectors, Adam Broadhurst, from Wolstanton, says: "Construction of the dwellings would pose an inevitable conflict between the would be residents and the local music venue in close proximity. There are no solutions to this that would be amicable for both parties.

"The Rigger is an integral part of the Newcastle-under-Lyme community. A place that has generated so much cultural and community development and growth for the area.

"If the dwellings were approved then the venue would face the same fate as other venues up and down the country where residential permitted development has occurred and closure is all but assured."

Artist's impression of the proposed apartment complex on the former Zanzibar site in Newcastle-under-Lyme. (Planning application)

In her objection, Helen Vincent, from Knutton, says: "The Rigger has been an established venue for 60-plus years and should not be restricted or closed for the sake of new flats.

"This is rock music's last venue in Newcastle with a long heritage so if flats are built and occupied it should be done in full knowledge and acceptance that there may be loud music."

Star Pubs & Bars, which owns the The Rigger, has also submitted a representation, saying that the close proximity of the apartments' windows could lead to nuisance complaints, which in turn could 'impact significantly' on the venue's ability to operate and threaten its viability.

But in their report to the planning committee, officers note that existing flats at the Marsh Box on Marsh Parade are even closer to The Rigger than the proposed Zanzibar development. The council has not received any noise complaints from the Marsh Box, despite it being occupied for several years.

Officers also state that a noise impact assessment provided in support of the application was found to be acceptable.

The report says: "Whilst the concerns of users of The Rigger are noted, in the absence of any technical information to demonstrate that the proposal would result in an adverse impact on future occupants of the site, it is not considered that a refusal on the grounds of amenity impacts could be sustained."

Officers recommend that a requirement for noise mitigation measures should be included among a raft of planning conditions.

The development would provide a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, all for affordable rent. One of the blocks would face Hassell Street, with the other looking out into Marsh Parade.

There would only be 13 parking spaces, but officers say that parking standards can be relaxed in a sustainable location with easy access to public transport. The development would also include storage for 64 bikes.

Plans for five enterprise units on the western end of the Zanzibar site were approved earlier this year.