Residents of a city centre apartment block have objected to a nightclub being allowed to open until 3.30am at weekends due to noise and anti-social behaviour concerns.

An application has been submitted to Wakefield Council to re-open After Dark on Westgate.

A council report said the request for a new premises licence had been made after the company which previously operated the venue had been dissolved and the permit had lapsed.

A licensing hearing has been scheduled after an objection letter was submitted on behalf of “many residents” of Exchange House, on nearby Queen Street.

After Dark nightclub, on Westgate, Wakefield. LDRS image

placeholder image — After Dark nightclub, on Westgate, Wakefield. LDRS image

The objection stated: “The experience of residents living in the immediate vicinity is that the premises has become a destination for a younger crowd seeking somewhere to finish their night, with the consequences being extremely disruptive for those of us who actually live here.

“There have been repeated problems with excessive noise, shouting, disorder, anti-social behaviour and violence, particularly during the very early hours of the morning when people are leaving the premises and dispersing into the surrounding residential streets, predominantly Westgate.

“There is not a single week that goes by without some sort of incident occurring in front of these premises.”

The letter called for the venue’s opening hours to instead be restricted to 2.30am “in line with many other operators.”

An objection letter submitted on behalf of "many residents" of Exchange House has called for opening hours at After Dark nightclub, on Westgate, be limited until 2.30am. LDRS image

The document added: “We are not are not opposed to After Dark operating as part of Wakefield’s night-time economy.

“We recognise the importance of a vibrant night-time scene and have no objection to the premises continuing to trade.

“We are asking for reasonable licensing conditions which recognise that Wakefield is also a place where people live.”

Documents submitted on behalf of Tea A Dark Ltd said: “Prominent, clear notices shall be displayed at all exits requesting customers and staff to respect the needs of local residents and leave the premises and the area quietly.

The applicant also said door security staff would be employed and amplified and non-amplified music would not be audible from “noise sensitive properties in the vicinity.”

A council licensing sub-committee will consider the application at a meeting on November 16.