An alcohol licence bid by a play centre could be decided by councillors later this week.
The £400,000 Playworld venture in Marsh opened last month with a skating centre, children’s playgym and catering outlet.
Now Raj Handa is seeking a premises licence that will allow him to sell alcohol and play music until 11pm weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays at Playworld on Westbourne Road, Marsh.
But Marsh residents are concerned about the plans.
Clr Judith Hughes, Greenhead Labour, said: “Many residents in the Marsh area have approached me in my role as their local councillor over the last few weeks anxious about Playworld’s application for an alcohol, extended opening hours and a live music licence.
“Initially residents in the Marsh area were against an application that came forward to turn the building into a restaurant with 120 covers as they believed it would have a detrimental impact on their life, this application was refused by Huddersfield Planning Sub-Committee but subsequently overturned by the Planning Inspector.
“When the current application for Playworld was applied for the residents welcomed the use of the building for children and families and did not oppose the application.
“However, Mr Handa is now applying to sell alcohol extend the opening hours until 11pm week days and midnight on a weekend, as well as applying for a live music licence.
“Several residents have met with Mr Handa who assured him the extension in hours was for sport presentation evenings and that the alcohol was to be served with meals whilst parents accompanied their children to the venue.
“However, Mr Handa is advertising on his website an adult-only dining room in the mezzanine area which he originally indicated was a keep fit area, as well as hiring out the venue for private parties including wedding receptions for up to 350 guests.
“Residents are calling for a deferment on the licensing application that is due to be heard on Thursday until it is established exactly what the usage of this building is and that the current planning applications by Mr Handa have been determined.”
A number of residents have lodged formal objections saying the late-night bid is unsuitable in a residential area.
Mark Davies, chairman of the Marsh Community Forum, said they were seeking an assurance that the venue will not be allowed to become a drinking establishment and a barrier system is brought in so now alcohol can be taken outside.
In a supporting statement, Mr Handa says he has been a personal licence holder for nine years without problem and “normal usages times will be 9am until 9pm for skating and play but the premises will remain open later to allow unhurried eating and drinking by families”.
The application will be considered on Thursday at 10.45am at Huddersfield Town Hall.
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