A pub chain famed for its no frills approach has been given permission to take over a former nightspot.

JD Wetherspoon has been granted a licence for the former site of The Gentleman’s Turf in North Street, Brighton.

The decision has proved controversial as the site falls within the Cumulative Impact Zone, an area designated as having enough pubs, clubs and off-licences already.

The licence application had attracted letters of objection from a residents’ association, a councillor, businesses and Sussex Police prior to the meeting.

It was granted after changes were agreed with the police.

The pub will now close at 1.30am on a Friday and Saturday, 12.30am on Sundays and at midnight during the week.

Conservative councillor Denise Cobb, chairwoman of the licensing panel, said: “It was a difficult decision because the premises already had a licence so it was a good opportunity for us to change it for the better.

“The company that have taken over the premises have a good reputation of engaging with the community and we hope they are successful in doing so.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Sussex Police did raise objections to the original application, but those objections have been satisfied by the conditions attached to the granting of the application."

Eddie Gershon, spokesman for JD Wetherspoon, said: “We are very pleased that the licence has been approved.

“This is an excellent site in an excellent position and we are looking forward to opening in due course.”