Retrospective plans REFUSED for controversial shisha bar in busy Northampton street – meaning it could now be demolished

Maya Lounge, based in the former Volunteer Pub on Wellingborough Road, has had retrospective plans for its rear shisha lounge refused by West Northamptonshire Council.

The decision relates to a structure backing onto St Edmund’s Road which was built without permission some time after it first opened in May 2025.

Refusing the application, the council said the way the space is used had “resulted in a use which is generally intensive in producing significant noises and disturbances”, adding the retractable roof “provides little or no effective noise attenuation” and fails to protect neighbouring residents. It also said the extension does not fit the character of the area.

The council’s environmental health team also objected, warning the current set-up breaches smoke-free laws. It said: “Shisha smoking is not permitted in enclosed or substantially enclosed premises. Retractable roofs and openable sides are counted as enclosed under smoke-free legislation, and the current structure does not comply.

“To be lawful, the structure would require permanent removal of the roof or at least 50% of the perimeter walls.”

It added that making those changes could increase noise for neighbours.

Maya Lounge can still appeal the decision.

The planning enforcement issue mirrors a separate case in Wellingborough Road involving the now former Bada Bing bar, where a shisha lounge and bar was also built without planning permission. After a retrospective application was refused, the venue was ultimately required to demolish the unauthorised building.

Separately, Maya Lounge faced a licence review on March 26 following complaints about noise and disturbance.

A council report found 19 complaints from 18 households between May 2025 and January this year, with residents citing loud music and late-night noise.

To the rear of the venue are hundreds of residential properties which have been there long before Maya Lounge opened.

The venue’s director, Mr Idriz Noka, was interviewed by police under caution in December. The council has said it is seeking to prosecute over alleged indoor smoking.

WNC has not made clear what the result of Maya Lounge’s licensing hearing was.

The venue is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am to midnight Monday to Thursday, until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until midnight on Sundays.

It can stay open until 12.30am during the week and Sundays, and until 3.30am at weekends.