NIGHTINGALE SINGS IN THE VILLAGE - FOR NOW

09-10-2007

Bosses at Birmingham's long established gay nightspot The Nightingale are breathing a sigh of relief after seeing off a review of their licence initiated by Crosby Homes - but a spokesman cautioned "we've won the battle, but the war goes on".

The Gale's victory is the latest instalment in the fight for Birmingham's nightlife following the Noise Abatement Order served on the Spotted Dog in nearby Digbeth.

Crosby were denied planning permission to build apartments in the Armouries Building and Unity House in Bromsgrove Street, because city planners said it would be too noisy for residents.

Since then, the two nearest licensed establishments - the Nightingale and The Fountain - have both had their licenses reviewed for alleged misdemeanours. The Fountain's case will be heard on October 31, but the Gale at least has had a reprieve from the three man licensing appeal panel.

"We tried having Crosby's case thrown out as vexatious" said club spokesman Bill Heath.

"After all, they don't live there so can't suffer any noise nuisance, but the panel said they had a proper interest because they are a business.

"So they listened to the case, but still decided there was no reason to modify our licence."

Bill pointed out that no local residents turned up to complain - just the housebuilder. But he warned that he expects Crosby to appeal, and they are also fighting the Council's original decision to reject their development plans.

"We've won a battle" he said, "but the war goes on."