THE boss of a controversial nightclub has unveiled plans to expand his town centre venue, less than two weeks before he finds out if he can keep his licence.

Scott Moon, owner of Cubes, Duke Street, Blackburn, has submitted a planning application to council chiefs to build a large extension on the site of his existing venue.

Cubes currently holds 300 people, and Mr Moon hopes 800 will be allowed into the new venue which, according to plans submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council, will be completely sound-proofed.

Mr Moon, who said he kick-started Blackburn's blossoming cafe bar society when he opened his first venue in 1997, has been told by Blackburn with Darwen's licensing committee to draw up plans to reduce noise nuisance from Cubes if he wants to have his public entertainment licence renewed.

Residents in streets hundreds of yards away have claimed their lives are being ruined by loud music, pumping out of the club four nights a week.

Mr Moon, of Hargreaves Road, Oswaldtwistle, had said he would fit double glazing at properties affected and install a 'noise regulator' inside his venue to restrict the volume of music. But councillors have said only soundproofing will do and Mr Moon has submitted fresh plans.

The new, two-floor structure will be made of steel and glass with a lounge area downstairs, a dance floor upstairs and a small, raised area for a DJ booth and seating.

Coun Jim Blackburn, chairman of licensing, said: "I will be studying the plans now they have been brought to my attention. Mr Moon has to show us on November 21 that he has a firm plan to combat noise nuisance if he wants his licence renewed. There may be planning issues which prevent it going ahead."

Today, residents on New Park Street, one of the nearest residential roads to the site, gave the new nightclub a cautious thumbs-up. Alison Hosker said: "If it is soundproofed, that is fine. We don't have a problem with that.

"But we have heard so many promises in the past and are somewhat sceptical.

"I start work early and have to get up at 5.50am six days a week. The noise is so loud that often I don't bother going to bed before 2am because there is no point.

"It is ruining our lives. Mr Moon promised double-glazed windows for the affected homes but some of our houses have stained glass and can't be replaced."

She added: "We don't want him to lose his business but want to be able to live our lives, too."

Mr Moon today confirmed the plans had been submitted but said he had 'no further comment' to make at present.