Plans to build a new roof terrace at an up-and-coming social location have been approved by the council. 

Another milestone has been reached by STACK at their Whitley Bay venue, with North Tyneside council this week granting permission for the construction of an "external roof terrace and associated structures."

This building work will be carried out on the western elevation of the former Carlton Club, located in Whitley Bay's Spanish City. 

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Permission has also been granted for internal alterations to the building that formerly housed the Empress Ballroom. 

The Danieli Group, the business behind STACKs across the region, originally submitted plans for construction and an alcohol license in May of this year. 

With their license granted last month, there is now nothing more standing in the way of the Whitley Bay STACK location. 

A neighbour to the Spanish City ballroom and bingo hall, Marine Park First School, did object to plans for a roof terrace.

The historic building is of "great local significance" with a "superb spring dance floor" according to some other objectors. 

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Complainers said: "STACK attracts drunken loutish behaviour which creates demand for extra policing. We do not want a down-marketing effect that attracts trouble."

However, as the venue was over the required 31-meter distance away from homes and the school, it was approved by councillors. 

The main issues considered by council members were those relating to the impact the STACK's development would have on the character and appearance of the Listed Building. 

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On this, the council's report said: "The building has been vacant since 2019. The proposals would facilitate the re-use of the building which would be accessible to the public.

"Having a viable future use will ensure that the building fabric is maintained in good condition. This would also secure the last remaining undeveloped part of the Spanish City complex.

"The harm identified is highly regrettable, however on balance, the public benefits are considered to outweigh the harm."