Questions have been raised after a former Northampton working men's club set to be transformed into a church, café and community hub was rebranded as 'The Balkan Club', prompting concerns from residents that it could instead become a nightclub.

In September, plans were unveiled to convert the former Far Cotton Working Men's Club in Main Road into a church, café and community hub under proposals submitted by RCCG Royal Diadem Chapel to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

The applicant said its vision was to create "a space for growth and development of locals through faith and non-faith-based, cultural and community activities".

According to plans, the building, empty since 2022, would be used to host regular worship services and prayer meetings alongside everyday community activities such as school and homework clubs, food bank collections, CV-writing clinics and business start-up workshops.

Despite planning permission to use the the building as a place of worship, signs have recently appeared on the renovated venue advertising 'The Balkan Club'.

placeholder image — Despite planning permission to use the the building as a place of worship, signs have recently appeared on the renovated venue advertising 'The Balkan Club'.

A church spokesman said: "These activities will boost the local economy, help alleviate poverty and social inequality, and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour."

They added: "An empty building will be turned into a valued community facility that delivers economic, social and environmental wellbeing."

WNC approved RCCG Royal Diadem Chapel's application on April 13, 2026.

However, signs have recently appeared on the renovated building advertising 'The Balkan Club'.

A licensing notice has also been put up at the site confirming that an application has been submitted by The Balkan Club for permission to sell alcohol, provide entertainment and serve late-night refreshments at the site.

The notice states that the venue is seeking opening hours of Friday and Saturday from 9pm until 5am.

The application was registered with West Northamptonshire Council on June 26, and that objections can be made to the council within 28 days.

Delapre and Rushmere Independent councillor Julie Davenport has voiced concerns over the apparent change.

She said: "I have received concerns from local residents who were initially told that the premises would operate as a church. However, it now appears that they may instead be operating as a licensed club.

"Although the premises are located on the edge of an industrial estate, they are directly adjacent to a residential area, a place of worship, and NHS Outreach services. I have contacted West Northamptonshire Council's Licensing Team to establish the operating hours that have been applied for and the nature of the licence.

"Residents' main concerns are that the venue could operate as a nightclub, leading to increased noise, worsening the already significant parking problems in the area, and potentially contributing to anti-social behaviour. These are understandable concerns given the proximity of nearby homes and community facilities."

A spokesperson for WNC said: "The planning enforcement team has not received any complaints regarding an alleged change of use of the property.

"WNC takes breaches of planning control extremely seriously and investigates these matters thoroughly. Where a breach of planning control has taken place, the council will assess the matter in accordance with the local enforcement plan and planning policies, and take appropriate action."

Companies House records show a business called The Balkan Club lists a 30-year-old Northampton man as its director.

The original planning application for the site was submitted by Redeemed Christian Church of God (Royal Diadem Chapel), whose directors are from Crawley and Northampton.