PLANS to turn an abandoned cinema in Wantage into a nightclub and community venue look set to be given the the go-ahead tonight.

Earlier this year, town councillors said they were against a proposal to turn the former Newbury Street cinema into a late-night venue because they hoped the building could be reopened as a cinema.

Despite the objections, Vale planning officers are recommending that the plans should be approved by district councillors on the development control committee.

Brothers-in-law Steve Head and Gary Howe have applied to convert the cinema into a club called Shush and want to attract late-night drinkers.

Mr Head, who helps run developers H & H Entertainment, said: “We want the support of the people of Wantage and we think the majority of people do support us.

“The building has been empty for about six years and there is no special nightclub venue in the town, although the Swan pub does run a club night.

“Our intention is very much to run a community venue and we have been talking to cinema fans in the town. We want to have cinema events and there will be a boxing night in June.

“There will also be theatre events and the building will be open for hire for corporate events.

“We will adhere to all the guidelines which are part of the premises licence.”

Last month, the council gave the developers a late-night licence allowing the club to serve alcohol to up to 500 people until 2am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The club owners expect to open until about 11pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Planning officers are recommending the application by H & H Entertainment be granted subject to conditions such as sound proofing. A report to the committee said: “Concerns over anti-social activity outside the building are not reasonable grounds to refuse the application given the existence of other late night uses in the vicinity.”

There have been 11 letters of objection and eight supporting the plans. Roy Bond, 79, a retired engineer who lives with his wife Jaqueline in Post Office Lane, said: “We are very concerned that the club will lead to an increase in noise and drunken behaviour.

“There are lots of people living around here and flats for about 20 old people are being built in Newbury Street just a couple of hundred yards from the place.”

But Linda Hatter, chairman of traders’ group Wantage Rejuvenated, said the new venue could continue the drive to bring new life back into the town centre.

She said: “I think it’s narrow-minded to worry too much about the noise because if the owners do everything they say they are going to do there won’t be a problem.

“This could become a very valuable community space.”

A planning agent acting for Thames Valley Police has requested a contribution of £4,867.50 towards extra policing resources.

The application is being decided at a meeting at 6.30pm in the Guildhall in Abingdon.