PLANS to change part of a long-running Colchester nightclub into a set of flats have been given the green light.
Developers want to convert part of the Silk Road nightclub, in Queen Street, into flats, each with a spare room, kitchen and shower area.
Planning permission was previously granted for three flats in 2017 but a new application was then put forward to Colchester Council.
The nightclub building's second and third floors are now set to be converted into fives homes after the new proposals were signed-off by council bosses.
The Colchester Civic Society, however, had objected to the plans, saying it was “concerned by the lack of a bin storage scheme” as well as the “lack of external amenity provision”.
The objection comment continued: “We note the original decision for the three flats was granted some time ago in 2017 and there is a requirement for noise insulation from the nightclub.
“We are unaware if this has been provided.
“We note too there is a request for the exterior clock on the corner of the building to be reinstated.
“We very much hope and expect that this request will be fulfilled for this Locally Listed building.”
In an additional objection comment made, the society also detailed its disappointment of the changing of the windows.
It said: “It is quite clear that the original timber windows have been removed and replaced by UPVC alternatives.
“On a building of Local Listed importance such as this, this is a highly detrimental loss particularly to the curve-topped front windows which UPVC cannot emulate.
“These curves have been lost and the original elegance of the façade has been lost in consequence.
“We would submit that these replacement windows should be removed, and correct timber frames installed in their place.”
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The Silk Road bar and nightclub has been serving punters as a family-run business since 2007.
The bar holds one of the only 5am alcohol licenses in Colchester and, in recent years, has undertaken a huge conversion into a luxury bar.
The venue now holds four bars over two floors, with a main bar serving an expansive range of spirits, a luxury gin and champagne bar and a fresh fruit cocktail bar.
The venue is also renowned for its heated outdoor terrace, and shishas.
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