PLANS to allow a nightclub to extend its alcohol and music licence for an extra hour every night have been approved.

Essex House, in Station Road, Chingford, can now serve alcohol and play live music until 2am following Waltham Forest Council's approval at a hearing today (October 3). 

The council came to a decision within an hour, pointing out manager, David King’s efforts to reduce noise pollution from the club.

There was only one noted objector to the application, a neighbour in a flat behind the club, but they were not present at the hearing.

After the Guardian’s first report, some residents have written in to complain about a “loudness war” at night between bars on Station Road vying for punters’ attention.

Roger Brown said: “It’s a long way from any TOWIE glamour.

“Waltham Forest Council does nothing to impose some decent noise, time and disturbance limits. “Extending hours even more is just sacrificing local amenity for no good reason. 

“If people want a nightclub that’s fine, but use the night tube to central London, not in a quiet suburb.”

There are now four bars with a 2am licence on Station Road, and they all within 100 yards of each other.

Essex House will now compete with Bar One Twenty, The Station House, and The Front Room, which all serve booze into the early hours.

Following a complaint of a “noise breakout”, Essex House hired an acoustic agency “at great cost” to find its source.

Once Mr King fitted double glazing on the offending window, no further complaints were made.

At the hearing, cllr Louise Mitchell, of Chapel End ward, praised Mr King for working “proactively” with the community and the Metropolitan Police, which recorded no incidents of crime or disorder since Essex House opened.

Wayne Lineker, brother of Gary, opened the club in December last year and it has since grown popular with a host of reality TV stars.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr King said he was very happy, believing the decision will help his trade and add value to Chingford’s night time economy.

He added: “There’s lots of bars and restaurants around, which are perhaps a little bit tired.

“I think this can raise the profile of the whole area, it’s good for everybody.”