MUSIC lovers will raise a glass after a Ramsbottom jazz bar was given the green light to re-open by planning officials.

Pat Duggan, who says he has the town’s answer to Liverpool's Cavern Club, was delighted after his plans were given the go ahead at a planning committee meeting at Bury Town Hall on Tuesday (July 28).

Mr Duggan opened his guitar shop in Kay Brow Yard last October and spotted a unit next door which he thought could be adapted as a 60-capacity music venue and band rehearsal room.

The 61-year-old jazz enthusiast transformed the unit into a chic basement-style bar and rehearsal room similar to the Merseyside venue closely associated with the Beatles.

But when he opened it up, neighbours complained to Bury Council about noise and the council ordered Mr Duggan to apply for their permission before re-opening.

Mr Duggan said: “I didn't think I would get permission, it’s amazing; we’ve already had hundreds of people showing their interest on Facebook since finding out.

“I can’t wait to get things rolling and finish off the The Dog House Jazz Bar.

“I’m going to be planning nights with respected musicians from all different genres and will most likely have to sell tickets to those kinds of nights.

“I am also going to be offering out the space on a Saturday to young teenage bands as a free place to rehearse.

“It’s all dragged on for so long, so I’m excited to get things started and hope to open at the end of September.”

In May, Bury Council's licensing panel granted an alcohol and entertainment permit for the venue.

Due to a number of concerns from nearby residents who claimed the units are meant only for industrial use and that the bar would cause noise and parking problems, Mr Duggan received planning permission to open the venue for one year only, after which he will have to re-apply for permission.