Plans to build five enterprise units on the site of a former nightclub have been approved – despite concerns from a nearby music venue.

Durata Developments Limited has secured planning permission for the scheme on the Zanzibar site in Marsh Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Zanzibar closed more than 20 years ago and Aspire Housing acquired the site in 2019, with the derelict building finally being demolished in 2021. Durata, the development arm of Aspire, submitted separate planning applications for the commercial units and a residential scheme of 63 affordable flats.

Planning officers Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council have now approved the application for the enterprise units, which will be built at the western end of the site, at the junction of North Street and Hassell Street.

Star Pubs and Bars, which owns The Rigger, in Marsh Parade, has raised concerns about future occupants of the enterprise units and flats making noise complaints about the music venue, potentially putting its viability at risk.

Tamara Gomes, managing director of The Rigger, says that the venue is a 'long-standing cultural institution' and that the development of the Zanzibar site 'could generate future conflict that jeopardises our ability to operate at full capacity'.

Star Pubs and Bars and Ms Gomes have asked for Durata to consult with them directly so that these issues can be resolved. But planning officers at the borough council did not believe these issues could justify a refusal to grant permission.

The delegated decision report states: "It should be noted that the Rigger is approximately 100m away from the application site and that the site located in an established urban area which is comprised of a number of different land uses, where a certain level of background noise could already be expected.

"Given that the proposal is for commercial units and not a more sensitive land use such as residential and the fact that the units would be limited to daytime operational hours only, it would be difficult for the local planning authority to sustain a refusal on amenity grounds."

The units will provide around 2,000 square metres of floorspace, with five parking spaces also being included in the development. Aspire plans to sell the units to the borough council, which will be responsible for their future letting and management.

The borough council has yet to make a decision on the application for the flats.