PLANS for a former Chinese restaurant to become a late-night music and karaoke venue will be considered this week.

Regency Restaurant in Barbican Road, which has previously been the Royal Dragon and the Spotted Cow, has submitted plans for the venue which include 11 karaoke rooms and space for dancing.

Owner Chong Hung Chun wants to play live and recorded music for dancing and wants permission to supply alcohol until 3.30am, seven nights a week.

Architects’ drawings of the three-floor venue include two dining halls and three dining rooms as well as bar and reception area and karaoke rooms.

The plans, which will be considered on Thursday, have been opposed by the police and planning officers at City of York Council and 18 objections made on the grounds of public nuisance, crime and disorder and public safety.

Planning officer Matthew Parkinson raised concerns in writing to the hearing that the venue would be open until 3.30am.

He said: “Officers would like to raise significant concerns about the proposed use of the building with particular regard to public nuisance.”

PC Mick Wilkinson said in writing to the hearing: “Given the content of the applicant’s operating schedule, the police wish to make representation to the application as it is felt that the application will undermine all four licensing objectives.”

He included a letter to the applicant’s agent, to which he said he had not had a response, stating that police would seek numerous conditions including that sale of alcohol should accompany a meal.

Plans submitted on behalf of Mr Chun outline that all staff will be trained in the sale of alcohol and licensing, CCTV will be installed in the premises, regular noise assessments will be made and anyone who appears to be under 21 years old will be asked for proof of age.