A BUSINESSMAN who “didn’t realise” he needed permission for a cocktail bar he opened three months ago is confident of finally getting the council’s seal of approval.

Dreams Cocktail and Champagne Lounge, in High Street, Colchester, welcomed in its very first customers in July and has been thriving ever since.

Located in the former Taste of Cyprus unit, the nightlife spot prides itself on serving up freshly made drinks, but only for guests aged 21 and over.

Despite operating since the summer and being granted an alcohol and late night licence before launching, the bar is now subject to a planning application.

Owner Steve Ellis told the Gazette he did not think the venue would need to be greenlit by Colchester Council as the site’s previous business also served booze.

He said: “When we took over we were told if the bar had been at the other end of town it might have been a problem, but up this end it is more relaxed.

“We got all the licences we needed and everything went through fine so we just presumed we had ticked all of the boxes.

“The council then sent us a letter saying we need to put in a planning application – we initially thought we would lose many of our opening hours and late night trade.

“Since then we have found a solicitor - who said it should hopefully be relatively routine and everything should stay exactly as it is - and put the application in.

“We just didn’t realise we had to do that, so it was just down to a lack of knowledge on our part.”

According to the retrospective planning application which has now been submitted, Dreams has created 12 jobs and already “contributed to the night time economy.”

The luxury and atmospheric venue has also been cited as helping revive the city centre following the impact of coronavirus pandemic on businesses.

Steve, who runs the bar alongside Paul Kounnis, added: “Since opening, it has been really good, especially on the weekends.

“During the week trade can be slow, but that is the case for most bars. We just want to bring more and more people into the centre of Colchester.”

Colchester Council will aim to make a decision on the application by December 16, with the consultation period ending on November 11.