Controversial plans to convert a tea room in the heart of historic Rochester into a late-night bar have been approved.

Medway businessman Aaron Stone has been given the go-ahead to convert Fagin’s Cafe, in Rochester High Street, into a nightspot, subject to 25 conditions.

The conditions, which include the need for CCTV cameras and restrictions on erotic dancing, are designed to prevent crime and disorder in the town centre.

The venue will be able to open until 4am on Friday and Saturday. A spokesman for Medway Council said: “The conditions reflect the concerns of our environmental team and of the police. There was a lot of interest in this application and that too was reflected in the conditions.”

Prior to the application, residents, police and environmental health officers had raised concerns.

A letter from Medway Police said: “The premises will contribute to an already volatile area in relation to similar venues. Additionally, the dispersal of crowds and the policing of them also raise concerns.”