CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new 1,150 capacity nightclub and bar in the heart of Evesham look set to win approval.

District councillors have agreed in principle to the change of use for the former bingo hall in High Street, but they still have concerns about the scheme.

Meeting last week, Wychavon District Council's planning committee agreed to give officers powers to approve the change of use in consultation with the council's Evesham members.

The decision comes despite fears over noise, crime and the threat to existing pubs in the town. The area's licensed victuallers association objected to the plans, saying: "Evesham is already one of the most over-serviced towns as regards licensed outlets per population. There's already inadequate parking in the town centre as it is."

Councillor John Payne added: "There's a problem in Evesham with noise. If we want to see more people living in the town centre then we have to give thought as to how they would be affected by such an establishment."

The projected 800 capacity of the club and 350 capacity of the downstairs caf bar were also a worry to some councillors, who were particularly concerned about the lack of nearby parking, but coun Margaret Rowley said: "I do think it is important to have the facilities for young people in Evesham. Young people don't usually drive to nightclubs, so parking spaces are not needed in large numbers."

The plans have come from the owners of the town's existing Marilyn's nightclub and members were told they intended to keep the Bridge Street club open as well. Councillors were shown artists impressions of the club with a large glazed frontage and the Oat Street faade of the building also replaced by glazing.

"I think that's asking for trouble," said councillor Jo Sandalls. Yet coun Roy Seabourne said: "We can't go on being restrictive and then complain when young people with nothing to do wander about."

Coun Ron Cartwright added: "Something has got to be done and I don't know who else is going to spend money there."