Fringe theatre is to be staged at east Oxford nightclub and pole-dancing venue Bar Baby.

Despite objections from nearby residents and some councillors, Oxford City Council's east Oxford area committee backed plans to stage theatre at the venue.

But Mena Remedios, of Minster Road, said: "To use Baby as a theatre is inappropriate.

"It has a history of complaints about noise. It is also on a busy junction where there are no adequate parking facilities."

Bar owner Martin Forde said he could not understand any objections, saying a fringe theatre venue was needed.

"It would also be to the advantage of Oxford's bid to be city of culture," he said.

Councillors agreed safety railings could be installed along stairs at the rear to improve access to the roof.

Dr Simon Collcutt, who lives in Divinity Road, was concerned about the lack of dressing rooms and claimed pole dancers might be seen stripping on the roof. He said: "I believe it is going to provide access for striptease artists on the roof."

He produced a 60-page document with objections to the bar's activities.

Planning officer Andrew Lewis said: "I must congratulate Dr Collcutt. He has been in contact with me nearly every day for the last four years. His objections almost broke the back of our legal department."

The committee dropped plans to leaflet businesses and residents asking them to monitor Bar Baby's activities, after the council's legal team said the idea was inappropriate.