Residents fear an increase in noise and antisocial behaviour if a new arts and music venue is allowed to open until 4am.

Oxford-based Solarview Ltd has taken on the management of the former Gala bingo hall on the junction of Cowley Road and Magdalen Road and plans to turn it into a multipurpose community arts venue.

If all goes to plan, it will be Oxford's largest live music venue, with a 1,700 capacity - but neighbours fear it is a sign of the nightlife further down Cowley Road "creeping" its way towards them.

Solarview has applied to Oxford City Council for alcohol, recorded music and dance licences from 11am to 4am Monday to Saturday and from 11am to midnight on Sunday.

It also wants permission to show live music from 6pm to 2am Monday to Saturday and 6pm to midnight on Sunday and films from 2pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

After 10 comments on the plans, the council is going to hold a hearing into the application.

Fasal Raza, 29, of Magdalen Road, said he was concerned about the proposals.

"Even when it was a bingo hall there was an enormous problem with noise and the alcohol just adds another element to it.

"Further on down Cowley Road you've got bars and clubs which is good, but that sort of thing seems to be creeping its way over to the residential area. I've lived here for a while and all the problems we've had are to do with alcohol and noise problems.

"I think anything opening until 4am will create problems."

Pensioner Phyllis Rogers, also of Magdalen Road, said: "We have enough trouble now when people come out of the clubs down Cowley Road. If they are going to come out at 4am I'd be quite concerned."

Neighbour Nick Hewlett, 50, said: "I suppose if you can't hear the noise from the outside it would be alright.

"I'm just quite keen for something to happen to the building. It's a shame for it to be left empty."

Solarview managing director Adam Marsh said the company had applied for the scheduled times to give it maximum flexibility, but would not necessarily use them up to their limits or on each of the days requested.

He added: "I don't think people need to be concerned, because the council will lay down regulations and part of the licensing objectives are prevention of public nuisance, so by its very nature we can't do anything that would cause a public nuisance.

"If people do have concerns however, I would invite them to phone me."

Mr Marsh can be contacted on 07973539408.

The building has stood empty for almost two years. Originally built as a cinema in 1937, it was converted into a bingo hall in 1970, but in October 2004 Gala Bingo quit the venue in favour of the Ozone leisure park.

The licensing hearing to discuss the plan will be held on September 26.