Smokeys nightclub granted permission for judicial review into Nicholsons Quarter decision

Long-established Maidenhead nightclub Smokeys has been granted permission for a judicial review into a decision by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council to issue planning permission for the regeneration of the Nicholson Quarter.

The regeneration plans involve the demolition of the shopping complex and its replacement with new retail units, offices, and more than 650 apartments, along with public spaces and car parking.

The family-run nightclub – which has been in business for 60 years – is a tenant on Nicholsons Lane.

The council was hoping to force property owners to sell and vacate with a compulsory purchase order.

But during a hearing in October, government planning inspector John Felgate said the borough should not be allowed to issue a CPO, and noted that Smokeys had been offered 'no suitable relocation premises' and that 'little or no effort' had been made to find alternative accommodation for the nightclub.

At the High Court of Justice, the Honourable Mrs Justice Lang DBE granted Smokeys permission for a judicial review of the council's decision-making process.

The case will look at whether councillors considered the position of Smokeys before granting planning permission for the redevelopment.

Solicitors Blandy and Blandy, which is representing the Page family that owns Smokeys, said its client has no objection in principle to the redevelopment of the Nicholson Shopping Centre and supports the regeneration of the town centre, with adequate provision for a reprovisioned nightclub.