A NIGHTCLUB based in the middle of an industrial estate has won its bid to extend its opening hours.

Galore, in Brunel Road, on Benfleet's Manor Trading Estate, successfully applied to Castle Point Council for permission to extend its licence for alcohol and adult entertainment.

The club, which has permission to sell and serve alcohol, and host live music, film screenings, and dancing, will now be licensed between 11am and 4.30am.

Its current opening times are 8pm until 4.30am.

The venue, owned by G & K Groundworks Ltd, sparked controversy when it first opened earlier this year due to fears it would become a lapdancing club.

While it offers late-night sexual entertainment and its website advertises burlesque dancing, Galore bosses deny it is a lapdancing club.

The latest licensing application received objections from residents, councillors, and police.

Essex Police asked for conditions to be put on the license, including a drug safe in an appropriate place in the club, a strict challenge over 25 policy, a risk assessment to prevent crime and disorder, and an appropriate amount of door men staffing the entrance.

David Dadds, the barrister representing G & K Groundworks Ltd, said there is always a period of closure before any adult entertainment in the club begins, and anyone aged under 21 is asked to leave.

He said: “The club would be cleared before this closing period, and people would then re-enter for the later entertainment. People would know what they are going in for. There is no danger of customers entering and not knowing what they have walked into.

“My client is satisfied with the result of the hearing and will continue to operate in accordance with the application. My client will continue to work with the authorities and the residents to keep a partnership.”