PLANS to convert a controversial nightclub into a restaurant have been put on hold until car parking arrangements have been scrutinised.

Councillors considering the application by Mohammed Ali for the venture on Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, have deferred a decision on the application.

Mr Ali, from Sale, Cheshire, bought the former New Top Club and wants to convert it into a 48-seat restaurant at a cost of more than £100,000.

The club caused uproar when former owner Mohammed Nasir employed topless barmaids. Two years ago Mr Nasir was fined £1,000 after admitting four charges of serving non-members during topless sessions.

Mr Ali already owns three other restaurants outside East Lancashire and applied to Hyndburn Council for permission for a change of use. Yesterday members of the council's development services committee were recommended to refuse the application because there were no off-street parking facilities.

But they decided to defer their decision after hearing he was making arrangements to provide parking facilities by buying a piece of land nearby. Opening hours for the restaurant would be between 6pm and 11pm daily.

Planning officer Brent Clarkson said: "The applicant has been trying to solve the issue of car parking so we should give him time to finalise that and allow our engineers to see details before we make a recommendation."

Mr Ali said: "Hopefully we will have the contracts here in time for the next meeting. I hope it will be passed. I'm trying to help the council. I believe it is good for the area, I really do.

"The building is licensed for 300 people. At this very moment it can be opened as a nightclub. My restaurant is going to be for 48 people and it seems to causing a problem, which is a bit baffling."