JB's Dudley nightclub bosses vow to foil planners
Landmark Black Country nightclub JB's has been told it cannot operate as a banqueting and conference centre after its plans were thrown out on appeal.
But owners of the Dudley venue – who council chiefs say are operating outside planning guidelines – have vowed to remain open.
The rock club, famed for launching the careers of bands and artists, was taken over by businessman Ramesh Ahir after it had entered administration in 2010.
Mr Ahir reopened the venue, in Castle Hill, 12 months ago following a six-figure revamp to transform the club into a venue hosting wedding receptions and functions.
But his plans for an expansion were scuppered when a change-of-use application to allow the nightclub to be used for banquets and conferences was turned down by Dudley Council's planning department in February.
Mr Ahir also lost a subsequent appeal through the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol which agreed with concerns the club did not have use of its own car park.
Bosses had hoped to use the Dudley Zoo pay and display car park behind the nightclub used by patrons to JB's previously.
But zoo chief executive Peter Suddock ruled this out saying no agreement was in place and the car park was fenced off with limited opening hours.
Mr Ahir today maintained the club would stay open to host functions – claiming previous planning guidelines allowed them to hold a range of events.
Council regeneration chief, Councillor Judy Foster, today said this would be investigated.
