Neighbours have vented their anger at a court decision which has paved the way for a so-called superclub to open in Cowley Road, Oxford.

City magistrates have granted a licence for the former Gala bingo hall to turn into the biggest live music venue in Oxford -against the wishes of police, licensing officers and those living nearby.

A city council committee refused to give Solarview a licence last year after police said they did not have the resources to cope with another large-scale venue.

However, magistrates have overturned the decision on appeal.

Solarview - fronted by Charlie McCreedy and Adam Marsh - now has a licence to play recorded music until 3am on Fridays and 4am on Saturdays at the 1,700 capacity venue.

One of the conditions of their licence is that they draw up a detailed dispersal and transport policy, to satisfy police about what happens to clubbers when they leave.

But the news has not pleased opponents of the plans.

City council licensing chairman Ed Turner said: "I am shocked and astonished our careful decision - taken in the light of a police objection to the application - has been overturned.

"Magistrates are not accountable to the electorate, but that does not mean they should be at liberty to take decisions flying in the face of the public interest, as has happened in this case.

"This decision is bad news for local residents, bad news for those anxious about alcohol-related disturbance and violence, and bad news for Oxford."

A special saturation policy is already in operation in Oxford city centre, effectively meaning no new bars, pubs or clubs can open, after police raised fears about drink-related violence.

The Rev Adam Romanis, of SS Mary and John Church in Cowley Road, said: "The reservations which we already expressed centred on people congregating outside the premises before and after events, together with the problems of transport and parking - and the impact of all that on the locality, particularly our nearby church yard.

"The churchyard is now something of a local treasure, but very vulnerable to abuse by street drinkers and others coming in under cover of darkness - which is impossible to control.

"We have had our say. We hope things develop well, because the old cinema standing empty is a liability for everybody."

The Oxford Mail contacted solicitors Marshall Galpin, acting on behalf of Solarview, but no one was available for comment.

East Oxford Insp Jim O'Ryan said: "We gave evidence about crime and disorder in the area of the former bingo hall and the fears we have about an increase due to a large, late night venue opening seven nights a week.

"While we are disappointed in the result, we will work constructively with the licensees to ensure the premises are run in the best interests of the community."

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who had lobbied against the proposals, added: "This is distressing news for local residents worried about more late night nuisance."