Nightclub’s longer hours plea opposed

Soyo, in Rockingham Street, wants to open until 1.30am on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and until 2.30am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

However, ward councillor Rob Murphy is opposing the licensing application, pointing out that the club is near apartment blocks with “hundreds” of occupants.

Coun Murphy said: “Occupants have a wide range of needs in private, student and housing association blocks, with different working or study hours.

“A resident of Flockton Court contacted me because he struggles to get enough sleep with the current Soyo hours. He works from 7am to 4pm.

“Soyo is surrounded by a number of residential blocks who would be adversely affected by a further extension of opening hours.

“I object to any extension to their licensed hours for this reason.”

A resident of Smithfield Apartments, next to the club, has also written to Sheffield Council regarding the licensing application.

She said: “On a Monday evening I don’t go to bed until midnight, as it is a waste of time trying to sleep when all you can hear is the bass from the bands.

“On a regular basis earplugs are needed, as I can actually hear what the songs are.

“Most mornings I have to walk past Soyo and from our doorway to the end of the street I am greeted with chicken legs, chips and the occasional pile of vomit.

“I feel later opening hours until 1.30am on a weekday are unacceptable in such a built-up residential area.

“I understand other bars do have later opening, but they are not situated next to residential block which is populated with over 150 people.”

Members of Sheffield Council’s licensing committee are set to make a decision on Soyo’s application tomorrow.