A NEWPORT businessman has set up a campaign to “save Newport’s nightlife”.

Iftekhar Haris, also known as Iffy, owns a number of venues around Newport, including The Courtyard and Blind Tiger, both on Cambrian Road.

Mr Haris, who recently celebrated 20 years since opening his first business in the city, said planning applications are being approved or processed by Newport City Council without taking into consideration Newport’s night time economy.

Newport City Council have said that planning decisions must take into account all relevant details, including the surrounding environment, and that the council wants to encourage a “thriving” night-time economy.

Mr Haris said: “In Newport, there is an established night-time economy.

“There have been various developments in the city centre and these are not taking into account the night-time economy.

“The Premier Inn is only a small portion of the problem, it is not just that one location we are talking about.

“All the flats that are going in the High Street and in Market Street are going to bring issues.”

The launch of the campaign comes after it became public Premier Inn may walk away from opening a hotel in Newport city centre because of a dispute over noise with Mr Haris.

The hotel redevelopment, which has included triple-glazing the windows, has cost millions.

However, it has recently emerged the hold up is down to noise levels coming from Warehouse 54, a nightclub owned by Mr Haris, which is directly next door.

At the time, Mr Haris claimed he was being used as a scapegoat for what he said were ‘fundamental flaws’ made by the developers.

Mr Haris said venues like his are more than places to go out and that they also develop the city culturally.

He said: “Music venues are shutting down across the country and it is now we have to take action.”

Mr Haris is organising an open forum on Monday, April 3, from 7pm to 8pm at Warehouse54, in Cambrian Road, Newport, as part of “Save Newport’s Nightlife”.

He said the goal of the campaign is for businesses and residents to work together through “reasonable planning controls and responsible developments” that will benefit Newport as a whole.

A Newport City Council spokeswoman said that “successful” city centres are recognised for having a mix of quality living accommodation, modern shopping facilities and a safe and vibrant night-time economy.

She said: “Backed by Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places programme, Newport has been able to welcome a more vital mix of businesses, homes and jobs into the city centre.

“Planning decisions considered by the council must take into account all relevant details, including the uses of existing premises and the surrounding environment.

“The council wants to encourage a thriving night-time economy for all age groups to enjoy, and has been grateful to Mr Haris for his input into One Newport’s work with the safer city centre group.”