A businessman hopes to get permission for live groups to play until dawn in the former weaving mill which he owns.

Alan Briggs, pictured, who runs his own printing business, Blueprint, in Harber Mills, Thornton Road, has applied to Bradford Council's licensing panel for an entertainments licence from 10pm to 6am every day and says there would be up to four functions a month.

Mr Briggs converted the ground and basement floors of his mill into five recording studios seven years ago and leases them to bands, some of which have formed companies.

But police have objected to his application because they say there has already been music and dancing in the building with some events behind locked doors with the "potential for illegal activities." Today Mr Briggs said he had initially been told by the Council that he did not need an entertainments licence for the private functions which had already taken place.

He said the professional bands had helped Bradford to gain its musical reputation and helped to discover local talent.

"Some of the bands began having private parties to showcase their work to private audiences before going on tour," said Mr Briggs. "This developed into a group of private members' clubs which began providing musical facilities and hosting parties for their members on a regular basis."

Mr Briggs added most of the events providing a wide range of music were non-profit making and several had been recorded live and used to produce albums.

But he added an entertainments licence would enable them to expand activities and make it possible for organisations to hire the premises for meetings and workshops.

Mr Briggs said he also wanted to take part in Bradford Festival and believed musical activities in the mill could boost Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

He said he had done all the building and safety work required by the Council for a licence and was prepared to join the Drugswatch scheme using licensed doormen, having people on the premises trained in first aid and safety measures to protect dancers.

He said he would not apply for a liquor licence and would continue to provide only soft drinks and refreshments.

"This is not a night club, we are not out to make a quick buck and we not condone drug taking. There has never been any trouble here and we want to work with the authorities" said Mr Briggs.

The licensing panel was discussing the application today.