A DEVELOPER’S appeal for permission to open a town centre pub or nightclub has been rejected.

DaVinci Properties had appealed to the Secretary of State after Gravesham Council rejected its application to turn the former cinema and bingo hall in New Road, Gravesend, into a pub or nightclub.

However, at the appeal last week the Secretary of State’s inspector agreed with the council’s fears the increase in night time drinking would lead to more crime and disorder on nearby streets.

A council spokesman said: “The Secretary of State’s inspector acknowledged the arguments put forward by officers that the size of the premises and inability of the proprietors to control large numbers of people who would hit the streets and the taxi rank in the early morning was unacceptable and that members and police fears of a consequent increase in crime and disorder was justified.”

The council has permitted another application by the developer to turn the premises into a venue for banqueting, a possible comedy club and exhibitions.