PLANS for a million-pound nightclub in York have been thrown into doubt by tough measures unveiled to control the crime and booze "hot spot" where it would be built, the Evening Press can reveal today.

Bosses at Nexus have admitted that proposals to double the existing bar's capacity to 1,750 and create the biggest club in the city later this year could now be at risk.

In the wake of shock new crime figures, club bosses fear they may face negative reactions from the police.

We reported on Saturday how plans for a special new licensing policy in Micklegate and neighbouring streets would effectively mean applications for new pubs and clubs - like the Nexus expansion into the former Presto supermarket on Tanner Row - would normally be refused.

Applications would only be rubber-stamped if the applicant could show they would not "add to the cumulative impact (of crime and disorder) already experienced".

Police figures have revealed this "impact" in the Micklegate area - though comprising less than 17 per cent of land within York's walls, it suffers from nearly two-thirds of all city centre violence and a third of city centre crime.

But Nexus boss Peter Brownsword said the "hot spot" planning clampdown could scupper his superclub dreams.

He said: "This could stop it happening. There's a concern that it will not go ahead."

But he said he could still see the Nexus plans fitting in with the new policy.

"We always knew that getting a club in that area would be hard work. Now we have to go out and prove it will improve things.

"The application we have put in is absolutely superb. In my opinion it's bullet proof."

"There are areas of concern, but people have to realise that York's economy needs a new, high quality nightclub."

If the plans are approved, he said, opportunities for public disorder will be cut and safety improved. Currently, Nexus has a 2,500 turnover of customers on Saturday nights. Turnover at the new club - filling the void left by Ikon and Diva - would be about 2,000.

"We think people will stay in one place and there will be less people on the streets."

Club bosses will seek to allay fears at a special meeting with police next Wednesday.

Powers for local councils to create special control zones in drinking hotspots were introduced by the Government as part of relaxed new licensing laws, in a bid to ease concerns about 24-hour drinking.

City of York Council has the final say on the planning application, and officers are remaining tight-lipped on the application before it goes before councillors.

Asked if he was still confident about the application, Mr Brownsword said: "My opinion has not changed since the application went in.

"We have a 50/50 chance."

Updated: 09:07 Monday, March 28, 2005