It has been claimed that plans to convert a derelict bingo club to a major conference venue could bring a main street in Birmingham to a complete halt.

An application to convert the former Gala Bingo club on Kings Heath High Street, to a restaurant with conference and banqueting facilities, has come under fire from local residents. If given the go ahead the new venue would seat 300 diners and up to 400 guests.

Councillor Martin Mullaney representing the Lib Dems claimed that he would be objecting ot the application due to potential problems that would arise out of the increased parking.

He added: “There is a lack of car parking spaces.

“Where are 300 diners and 400 guests going to park? That would bring Kings Heath High Street and neighbouring streets to a halt.

“There is already a lack of parking in the area and this will exacerbate the situation.

“There are also issues about the internal design, there weren’t that many toilets for 700 people. It’s a poorly thought out design and the wrong location.”

Mr Mullaney stated that he would like to see the applicant, J & B Sattar, attend a meeting with concerned local residents on October 20th.

The chairman of the Kings Heath Business Association, Stan Hems also raised the issue of parking in the area: “We haven’t got any objections to the application, but there is insufficient parking.

“People will park on the side roads which have terraced houses and will be blocked up.”

The application suggests that a new upper floor would be created at the old balcony level which will be used as a large banqueting and conference facility. There are currently no plans to alter the distinctive neo classical style on the exterior of the building. Representatives of the applicant claimed that they did not wish to comment at this stage.