A NIGHTCLUB which was part of Colchester's social scene for decades – and inspired a hit by pop band Gorillaz – will be turned into a block of flats after plans were given the green light.

The building in St Helen’s Lane is best known for housing the Andromeda nightclub before it later changed its name to Club Karma, Club Valentino, and Ice.

After lying empty for nearly a decade, the former venue – which is described in planning papers as being “discordant” with its residential surroundings – was sold at auction in April and bought by property developer Timothy Shaikly of Franknox Limited.

Mr Shaikly’s application for the former Dutch Quarter nightclub to become five one-bedroom apartments has now been approved by Colchester Council.

Drawings show the apartments are fairly small, consisting of a combined kitchen and living area in addition to a bathroom and bedroom.

Several conditions have been attached before construction work goes ahead, including one which requires an asbestos inspection to take place before any building work goes ahead.

According to plans which were originally submitted in June, two doorways and two windows are proposed, but they will need to be approved by Colchester Council.

One objection against the plans highlighted a lack of parking spaces, and suggested that a residential development would be “a concern given the extreme pressure on the existing street parking permit regime”.

However, there were several comments  in support of the project, including one which suggested a residential development would help reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

It read: “There is ongoing anti-social behaviour in this area due to this abandoned ex-nightclub, so I strongly believe that converting the building into a residential block will result in massive improvements.

Essex County Council said cycle parking would need to be provided as well as a travel information pack “in the interests of reducing the need to travel by car and promoting sustainable development and transport”.

Building work, which must begin within three years, is only allowed to take place between 8am and 6pm on weekdays and 8am and 1pm on Saturdays.