Music fans fear new apartment blocks could put the future of a popular venue at risk. Aspire Housing wants to redevelop the former site of the Zanzibar nightclub in Newcastle with 63 affordable flats in two four-storey buildings. 

But patrons of The Rigger are objecting to the plans, saying there would be 'inevitable conflict' between future residents and the venue, which sits on the other side of Marsh Parade to the development site. They fear that noise complaints could threaten The Rigger's ability to trade, meaning one of the area's last remaining independent venues could be lost. 

A total of 62 objections have been submitted to the Newcastle Borough Council, with concerns also being raised over parking issues and loss of privacy. But planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval, saying it represents sustainable development of a brownfield site that accords with policy. 

Members of the planning committee will consider the application when they meet on Tuesday, September 9. One of the objectors, Adam Broadhurst, from Wolstanton, says: "Construction of the dwellings would pose an inevitable conflict between the would be residents and the local music venue in close proximity. There are no solutions to this that would be amicable for both parties.

"The Rigger is an integral part of the Newcastle-under-Lyme community. A place that has generated so much cultural and community development and growth for the area. If the dwellings were approved then the venue would face the same fate as other venues up and down the country where residential permitted development has occurred and closure is all but assured." By Philip Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter