The go-ahead has been given for a massive nightclub to open in Brighton.

Government inspectors have overturned a decision not to allow almost 2,000 clubbers into the new Terraces development on the seafront opposite the Palace Pier.

Brighton and Hove Council approved a nightclub but restricted its capacity to 902. After a public inquiry last month, the go-ahead has been given to increase that to 1,750.

The decision means one of Europe's biggest nightclubs, the Liverpool-based Cream, will open at the Terraces. Cream spokesman Jane Casey said: "We've only just found out - we're all so excited. We've spent a lot of time in Brighton and it's a great place. Now we're looking forward to the next stage of applying for alcohol and entertainment licenses."

Allison Pentland, spokesman for solicitors Donne Mileham and Haddock, which represents developer Compco, said: "The inspector looked at concerns such as noise and disturbance, crime and parking, and decided there weren't sufficient grounds to refuse permission."

The public inquiry heard the club might reduce violent crime by taking pressure off the town centre. But Kemp Town residents objected, saying a large club would destroy the character of the area.

Dan Flynn, 29, of Broad Street, Brighton, said: "This is really bad news. A club that big will attract so many more people who will all spill out into the residential streets around here.

"It is completely different to West Street, where the exit routes are main roads and are not residential. I'm really worried about the noise, fights and vandalism this new club will cause."

The multi-million-pound development will include restaurants and bars and is due to open in the summer. A council spokesman said: "We will work with the club to ensure as little disturbance to residents as possible."

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