AN application by the Chapman Group of Worthing to turn the Old Auction Rooms in Market Square into a continental style cafe-bar has been withdrawn due to contractual disagreements with the developer.
The plans to turn the premises into a late-opening bar seemed to be well supported by local residents, but descended into controversy when the group applied for an entertainments licence to stage music and dancing until midnight, seven days a week.
Residents were even more aggravated by the fact that the proposed bar would be right underneath a retirement development populated exclusively by over-65s.
Vicki Cooper, a licensing technician for East Hampshire District Council said, "Since news of the application appeared in The Herald, we have received 13 letters of objection from residents both in Ladyplace Court and around the Market Square area".
A concerned resident of Market Street who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "Loud music seven nights a week is a bit too much because of the environment it will create and the people it will attract.
"If people are drinking, then getting hyped up by the music, then it will cause problems, and you try living with that.
"I love the idea of a cafe-bar going in there though, something like that would be wonderful but we can do without the music."
However, Richard Pipe of the Chapman Group who would have been the proprietor of the premises, said: "We could not reach a mutual agreement with the developers of the premises, as regards cost and development. The property was great, but we could not make a deal unfortunately. If another property becomes available in Alton, then we will look with interest."
Marketplace Estates, the developers in question, were unavailable for comment, meaning that the future of the building is still unknown to The Herald.
Chris Glanfield, the chartered surveyor dealing with the property, said: "I think it's very sad to hear that the deal has fallen through, because I was wholly supportive of the project and I think that a development like this would've been, and still could be, a great asset to Alton.
As far as I knew, all parties had prices agreed for months, and the deal was just subject to a licence being granted. I am delighted to hear however that Chapman will still look for other sites in Alton."