AN OXFORD nightclub has launched a bid to convert part of a hairdressing salon into a VIP lounge.

Clementines, in St Clement's, East Oxford, wants to develop the downstairs lounge area to cater for 15 to 20 people.

Henry Venners, planning consultant at the John Phillips Planning Consultancy, Oxford, which is handling the application, said: "This would be more for the flexibility of the internal arrangements. It would provide a fully exclusive VIP area for existing guests.

"If planning application was granted, it would not be an immediate change. They would need to make sure soundproofing is provided and to make sure, if needed, a new licence was in place.

"It would be a quiet area rather than a dance floor and we would make sure it was soundproof.

"Residents in that area live behind the premises, where there is no access, so it shouldn't really impact upon them."

Valma Gilkes, of York Place, which is behind the club, said she had problems with noise disturbance from the club in the past but it had improved.

She said: "I sleep at the back of the house so the nightclub doesn't disturb me.

"There really has been an improvement. The last thing one wants is bad feelings," she added.

"If they can keep the noise down and under control I have no problem with it."

The application is recommended for approval and will be decided by Oxford City Council's east area committee tomorrow.