An exclusive private members’ club looking to extend their opening hours and alcohol licence has been met with criticism.

Residents living next to Club Quantum in The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, say they will have “no days of respite” if the changes to its operation are approved.

The venue forms part of a modern flat redevelopment at the end of the historic parade.

A 1960s office block called Union House was demolished and 127 new homes, including eight penthouse apartments, were built.

During the day, the club operates as a cafe and bar for members only – providing an “exclusive retreat for those seeking a refined workspace”.

It also serves cocktails, whiskies, cognacs and wines in the evening, with live piano music at the weekend.

Members aged 25 and over can pay between £145 to £185 a month to access the facilities.

In May, the owner submitted an application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC).

They hope to extend the opening hours on Saturday, to open and sell alcohol on Sunday, and add seasonal variations in December.

The current licensing times are Monday to Wednesday, between 12pm and 7pm, and Thursday to Friday, between 12pm and 11pm. On Saturday it is 12pm to 11.30pm.

Now the club wants to open on a Sunday and serve alcohol from 12pm to 7pm.

During the Christmas period, the club wants to serve alcohol until at least 11pm every day.

“We did not object to the initial application for the premises...following various assurances from the owner of the club.”

But the licence alteration has been met with some backlash from neighbours living in the apartments above.

David Scott, chairman of The Pantiles Residents Association at The Potteries, held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, June 11.

In a letter outlining their objections to the council and published as part of the licence review, he said: “We did not object to the initial application for the premises, opening times, sale of alcohol and music licences following various assurances from the owner of the club.

“However, we are now aware that there have been various extensions granted to the original licence, plus the most recent application identified above which extends hours on Sunday and late-night use of the club during December.”

He and 24 other residents called for several issues to be addressed.

Linden Park Road, which runs next to the complex, is a no parking or waiting area.

They claim that customers are likely to call taxis and there is currently a lack of enforcement on these restrictions, especially at the weekend.

Residents entering the building would also have to walk next to the outside tables and front door of the club.

They shared concerns for the safety of women and children trying to access their home.

The letter added: “The increased use of the club could result in no days of respite from noise emitted from the club (music and loud talking, possible singing, late movement of tables and chairs etc), people smoking outside, and consuming alcohol in and around the club's exterior seating areas and front door.

“This will create unacceptable nuisance to residents, particularly young children at night.”

Vice chairman, Michael Paynter, says the club owner is now “moving the goalposts” in correspondence forwarded to the council as part of the review process.

“I didn't initially object to the licence application as we were led to believe that would be closed on Sundays,” he penned. “But the club is now moving the goalposts.

“My major complaint is that the club is giving the residents no rest bite from constant noise the quieter times of evening and night.

“This will particularly disturb the overlooking school children on what would be a school night.”

“The increased use of the club could result in no days of respite from noise emitted from the club...”

However, owner Liam Hopper has stated in the application employees will be trained on customer service and public disorder.

He writes that there will be CCTV outside the club, an anti-drugs and no smoking policy, as well as security on the door during Friday and Saturday.

A TownLink radio system, which allows for communication between the licensed premises and the police, will also be installed.

The club won’t accept groups of people unless they enrol with a day pass to work within the space.

This is expected to keep the serving of alcohol to the general public to a minimum.

A capacity limit of 175 people will also be in place to “prevent overcrowding which could lead to crime and disorder”.

They say they “can’t control” where taxis will arrive, but add that drivers are “usually very respectful” on where they pick up and drop off people.

The outdoor seating area will close at 11pm and staff will pack away tables and chairs after this time to prevent customers from lingering.

The matter is set to be discussed at a Licensing Sub Committee to be heard tomorrow (July 2).