Northampton nightclub drops 5am opening bid but wins 2.30am licence as councillor vows to fight it
A Northampton nightclub has dropped its plans to open until 5am but has won the right to open until 2.30am – one councillor has said they will challenge the move.
The Balkan Club in Far Cotton has withdrawn its controversial bid to stay open until 5am – but can now legally open until 2.30am after taking over the premises licence previously held by the former Far Cotton Working Men’s Club.
Earlier this summer, the Balkan Club opened at the former Far Cotton Working Men’s Club premises on Main Road.
The club had applied to open until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. That application, which drew concern in the community, has now been withdrawn.
However, West Northamptonshire Council's licensing register shows Balkan Club Ltd is now the holder of the premises licence for the site, which came into effect on July 27.
The licence allows the premises to open from 10am to 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 12.30am from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays. Alcohol can be sold until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Chronicle & Echo was told the former licence holder had not given permission for the licence to be transferred to the Balkan Club.
This newspaper asked West Northamptonshire Council to confirm what had happened and whether the Balkan Club was now operating under the old licence.
A council spokesperson said: “A licensing authority does not have the power to remove licences from premises which are no longer in use, only a licence holder can formally surrender a licence, or any new prospective business can apply lawfully in accordance with the relevant legislation to take ownership of the licence. The duty is always upon existing licence holders, or prospective licence holders to seek their own independent legal guidance if they wish to consider the options available to protect their ongoing interests.
“A premises licence application was received and withdrawn by The Balkan Club, having sought their own independent advice and using the option to transfer the existing premises licence. The transfer application was received and considered in accordance with the statutory legal processes. The terms and conditions of the premises licence can be viewed on our public register.”
The licence covers the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music, dancing, performances, indoor sporting events and late-night refreshments, among other activities.
The club's designated premises supervisor is listed as Georgiana Valentia Livia Cretu.
Independent councillor Julie Davenport, who represents Delapre and Rushmere, said the former working men's club had never previously been licensed to stay open as late as 2.30am.
She said she would be challenging the transfer of the licence.
Councillor Davenport previously said: “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.
“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.”