HUGELY controversial plans to open a bar in the same location a young man was killed last year will be decided later this week.

So many people are expected to attend the Licensing Panel meeting on the former Bijou Cocktail Bar in Bingley that it will be held in the biggest available meeting room in City Hall.

Bradford Council received a licensing application for alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment at Delilah’s Gin and Cocktail Bar, Unit 11b, Five Rise Shopping Centre, in Chapel Lane last month.

The application caused a huge amount of upset in the town due to the venue’s past.

On November 25 last year James Etherington, 24, sustained serious injuries outside Bijou. He was taken to hospital with head injuries but died ten days later.

Police suspended the venue’s licence shortly after, and the club was closed.

Court proceedings against an individual have followed, with a trial due to take place next year.

On Thursday, just a few days before the anniversary of Mr Etherington’s death, the Bradford District Licensing Panel will meet to discuss SH Bars Ltd’s licensing application. Many objectors have pointed out that applying for a licence so close to the anniversary showed “disregard” for his family.

There have been a number of objections to the plans, including family members of Mr Etherington, and many objectors are expected to attend Thursday’s meeting.

The panel usually meets in a small committee room that can seat around 20 people, but Thursday’s meeting will be held in the Council Chamber - the largest meeting room in City Hall.

The application calls for the opening hours of Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 11.30pm; Thursday 11am to 2am and Friday and Saturday 11am to 4am.

It adds: “The premises has been subject to a £40k investment to completely transform the nightclub that was in situ at this address. The new business will be an upmarket gin and cocktail bar aimed at the over 21 market.”

It also says the bar will be covered by 24 hour CCTV, and that bouncers will wear body cameras.

Rory Procter, the former licence holder of Bijou, was listed as a Director of S H Bars ltd from March 2018 until November 19, when he resigned from the role.

One of the objectors is Councillor David Heseltine (Cons, Bingley) who wrote to licensing officers to say there was a “great swell of public opinion against the reopening.” He adds: “In my view it is not in the public interest to grant a licence. I am concerned for the safety of the public and the feelings of the bereaved family and friends.”

A report being presented to the panel says that originally 80 people had objected to the plans. But the report adds: “However, concerns were raised by a number of residents regarding the requirement under the Licensing Act to provide name and address details to the applicant.

“Following clarification on the requirements to provide copy representations to the applicant, 15 local residents have maintained their representation objecting to the grant of a licence.”

Although the names are not included on the objections in the report, some are from people who say they are family members of Mr Etherington.

Others call for the club to remain closed until the court case is concluded.

One objection, by someone stating Mr Etherington was their nephew, says; “Having to constantly go past that place is hard enough but to know another licence is being applied for is too much, and until 4.00am?!!!

“Bingley does not need this - we are a small market town, not a vibrant night city.”

Another, saying they are his cousin, says: “It is an affront to James’s memory, and granting this license will stir up bad feeling and hurt within a community trying to heal.”

A letter from Bingley Town Council to the panel says: “As the anniversary of the tragic and unfortunate passing of James Etherington outside Bijou approaches, the Town Council is in disbelief that such an application has been made.

“The Town Council believes that the application has been made with disregard for both the family of James Etherington and the wider Bingley community.”

West Yorkshire Police has been asked for their representations on the licence, and have written to the Council suggesting the club only be allowed to open until 3am, rather than 4am.

The panel will meet at City Hall at 10am on Thursday.