Plans for a nightclub in a long-empty restaurant have been rejected amid fears over anti-social behaviour - but bosses stress they are not giving up on the scheme.

Dominic Browne and business partner Ian Sen want to open a new nightspot in Ashford to give young people “a nightlife they have never seen before”.

After three attempts to find the right location, Mr Browne submitted plans to open DJB Nightclub in the former Downtown Diner and Po Thai unit in Park Street.

But the proposals have been refused by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) as planning officers say a nightclub would “likely give rise to increased noise and disturbance at night time” which could impact surrounding residential properties, including The Panorama building which sits opposite.

Despite the setback, Mr Browne has confirmed he will appeal the decision and plans to open the venue as a bar and restaurant for the time being.

“We have plans to deal with anti-social behaviour, noise and complaints, but we haven't been given a chance to explain that which isn't fair,” the 22-year-old said.

“We promised people in Ashford we would open a nightclub so we will try again.

“We still want to do live music performances but for now we will do that within restaurant hours.”

While police did not object to the scheme, the force’s ‘designing out crime’ officer raised concerns over drunk people loitering outside the nearby bus stops.

They said: “I have anti-social behaviour and nuisance concerns for Park Street, when the premises closes or if individuals are asked to leave.

“This area has bus shelters which would provide covered seating outside of the Stagecoach operation hours.

“Relocating intoxicated individuals into this space may have an impact on both the local residents across the road, and on the local policing team.”

But Mr Sen says a “considerable amount” of time, money and effort has gone into making sure the venue is a considerate neighbour.

“We have had consultants looking at soundproofing to ensure compliance with the council's requirements,” he said.

“We have MM Security on board, they would provide security inside and out as well as marshals to move people away from outside areas.

“CCTV cameras would be put up on a large flagpole at the front to monitor the area.

“The Panorama has an anti-social behaviour problem in the flats as it is; if anything, having the club there will improve the area's safety as we will be adding security.

“None of this was taken into account in the council’s decision.”

Residents previously told KentOnline how The Panorama, a 241-flat tower block, is plagued by teenage hooligans breaking inside and trashing communal areas and lighting fires.

Before Mr Browne and Mr Sen lodge an appeal, they say they will meet with designers to get the restaurant and bar open.

A new name is yet to be decided for the venue but it will still be aimed at 18 to 25-year-olds.

If all goes to plan, Mr Browne hopes to have it open by summer.

The building - which is close to Ashford’s Wetherspoons – was set to be converted into seven flats after proposals were put to ABC in June 2022.

But a decision on the scheme was never made due to an environmental issue at Stodmarsh Nature Reserve near Canterbury which has been stalling housing developments across the county for years.

This delay to the project – submitted by applicant Oruc Gurkan – led to the empty restaurant going back on the market for £550,000 in August.

Mr Browne, who recently moved to Kent from Hertfordshire, has long held ambitions to open a nightclub in Ashford.

He initially submitted plans to open a club in Elwick Place, below the Travelodge, but withdrew the application over concerns for the hotel and the size of the unit.

He then looked at opening in the now-vacant Tile Giant unit in Mace Lane but said landlords were not on board with the idea.

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Ashford used to be home to several nightclubs, including Liquid in East Hill and M20 at Eureka Leisure Park, but, like in most towns across the county, that number has dwindled.

Cameo, next to the railway station, is all that’s left.