PLANS to create a new nightclub in Darwen could be scrapped after planning permission was granted for bedsits at a neighbouring property.

Blackburn with Darwen planning committee gave permission for the conversion of the old Conservative Club offices on the corner of Church Street and Bank Street. Members said the development would improve the appearance of the area.

But the owners of the neighbouring Darwen Central Club, Local Leisure of Accrington, claim granting planning permission could scupper their chances of converting part of their building into a nightclub.

In a letter to the committee, they stated: "We feel it is important to inform members that we intend to develop the cinema/bingo hall part of our premises into a nightclub. This would obviously involve an application for an entertainment and late drinks licence.

"We believe this would be a terrific boost for the people of Darwen, so we fear if this residential development is allowed to go ahead, it would seriously damage our chances of having these vital licences granted."

Planning officers had recommended refusing the proposal on the grounds that it "did not conform with the adjacent commercial premises" and "there would be a loss of amenity with adjacent commercial premises".

Other objections included claims there was already a glut of rented housing in the area.

But Coun Dave Smith said: "I can't believe we are being asked to refuse this application on the grounds of something which might happen in the future. If we worked along those lines, we would be refusing everything.

"Having this building occupied again would be a boost to the area, mainly because it wouldn't be vandalised."

Coun Paul Browne, another Darwen councillor, said: "This building is a mess and it will be good to have it occupied again."

In a written submission, Coun Sue Reid, a member of the council's executive board and a Darwen councillor, said: "I would give my support to the application for change of use to residential for several reasons. I believe that the conversion of the neighbouring premises would be very costly and I would question the viability of such a venture given that Darwen has two nightclubs, various pubs with late licences and the pool of customers is relatively small.

"The development site is an eyesore and continues to deteriorate. The person placing the application is more than willing to accept any conditions placed upon him in relation to ceasing use for residential purposes should the current club change into a nightclub.

"Approving the application would have a positive impact on the area."

Councillors backed the project on the understanding that fresh conditions would be drawn up before building work could begin.

Committee chairman Frank Connor said: "I am not happy at the thought of giving planning permission for something then making the landlord throw people out if buildings around it change."