PLANS to refurbish a nightclub in an Essex village have been given the go-ahead despite objections from residents.Colchester Borough Council's planning committee agreed to allow work on the former Kings nightclub - now known as Storm - in Copford to go ahead.

By Roddy Ashworth

PLANS to refurbish a nightclub in an Essex village have been given the go-ahead despite objections from residents.

Colchester Borough Council's planning committee agreed to allow work on the former Kings nightclub - now known as Storm - in Copford to go ahead.

Previous alterations to the London Road building were halted in 1994 by the applicant, Shea Properties, after they began to exceed earlier planning permission.

Shea Properties brought in a new architect to handle the alterations - which were to provide an extra 141 square metres of floor space - and reapplied.

Yesterday the firm was granted permission to demolish and rebuild a modern side extension, demolish and rebuild two single storey outshots at the rear of the property, and refurbish the main 19th Century building itself - including the replacement of 24 windows.

The council received 21 letters objecting to the scheme.

Concerns were expressed that the enlargement of the venue would lead to an increase in customers, which would lead to noise and late night disturbance.

One resident claimed that the extension was too large and out of proportion with the original building, which is Grade II listed.

Another said that the onsite parking - which can cater for 200 cars - was insufficient, and would lead to people leaving their cars on the street.

But the planning committee agreed to approve the alterations subject to a string of conditions.

These included prior approval of the materials to be used, because of the building's listed status, and a range of restrictions concerning the noise of both the refurbishment and subsequent operation of the club.