A WINCHESTER nightclub has withdrawn its bid to extend operations to an outdoor area, which had prompted noise concerns.

The Vodka Bar and Nightclub in Upper Brook Street had wanted to include in its licence an area at the back of the club next to the goods yard, which an environmental health expert estimated could take another 200 people.

But the application was withdrawn from the agenda of a licensing hearing.

Club owner Kalvin Collymore said that they had legal advice that the club did not need to apply for permission from the council. He disputed the 200 capacity figure.

The proposal before the council would have extended the licensed area and increased the opening hours on Sundays until 2am.

Under the plans the smoking area would close at 1.45am Sunday to Wednesday and at 2.45am Thursday to Saturday.

According to a report, the city council’s environmental health team has received three complaints about noise related to the newly-built area, which the club called a ‘smoking area’ and is currently being used but not for licensable activities.

City council environmental health manager Abigail Toms said in the report she believed noise could cause “significant public nuisance” and that the opening hours were unreasonable.

“Even with the best management controls in place, there is likely to be a significant hubbub of noise as well as occasional bursts of exuberance or shouting or screaming that could awaken neighbours.”

On a recent visit to the venue, in Upper Brook Street, she found the smoking area had been “considerably extended.”