A proposal for a new speakeasy bar above a salon on Royton's high street has been given the green light, planning documents reveal.

An application to open a speakeasy-style bar above the Rizz & Company salon on Middleton Road was submitted in October last year.

Blueprints of the plans, designed by Conway Architectural Design on behalf of the applicant, show the vacant space on the first floor will be transformed into a bar area while the kitchen area will be utilised as women's and men's toilets.

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The initial plans proposed using a balcony 'for smoking' though this was later amended as a balcony for staff only.

The applicant, Adam Stopford, said he hopes the new venue, called The Trap Door, will offer a blues and jazz-type 'vibe' for people over 30 and will be "somewhere people can relax that's not overcrowded".

He said it will also offer table service aimed at couples who want a "chilled night out".

The plans propose punters entering through the building's concealed side entrance while its adjacent alleyway between two neighbouring commercial buildings would be used as a small smoking area instead of the balcony.

The new plans also involve building an 8ft high solid timber fence and gates to section the area to shield surrounding residents from unwelcome onlookers and noise.

Only one objection was received which listed concerns from traffic and noise to privacy and an increase in antisocial behaviour, such as "public urination".

The comment read: “We believe that another [drinking] establishment is not needed and will exacerbate problems of anti-social behaviour, drunkenness and general safety of the public.

“It has been noticed that there has been an increase in vandalism and public spaces being improperly used, with public urination being a particularly unpleasant problem.”

However, planning officers wrote their support of the plans after visiting the premises, writing its proximity to shops, a taxi rank and a supermarket means it would only "contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of Royton centre". 

As the plans only concern erecting a fence, officers said the appearance of the street scene would not be adversely impacted by the bar, though they did ban the use of the upstairs balcony as a smoking area.

As a result, Oldham Council approved the plans on March 27 but inflicted some loading restrictions and opening times which The Trap Door will have to adhere to.

The new bar will be open between noon and midnight on weekdays, Sundays and bank holidays, and will close at 1am on Saturdays.

The Trap Door has also been granted an alcohol licence.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.