Councillors have refused an application for an office block next to a much-loved music pub.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee unanimously refused permission for plans to build the four-storey development next to the Prince Albert pub in Brighton.

The developers were looking to knock down an old garage in 47 Trafalgar Street.

Councillors had concerns about the block being overbearing and said the pub should be protected due to its popularity.

There were fears that the pub could close in the future because of noise complaints from future residents. It was originally proposed that there would be two holiday lets next to the live music venue.

The Argus: The pub hosts nine gigs a week The pub hosts nine gigs a week (Image: The Argus)

The amended plans were just for an office block but the Prince Albert still had concerns that it could be turned into residential units in the future.

Music Venue Trust said unless the council provided the venue assurances that this will not happen, its “survival is not guaranteed”.

Thousands of people signed a petition supporting the pub.

On Monday, DJ Fatboy Slim played a secret gig to a crowd of around 200 people to raise awareness for the pub’s situation.

George Taylor, director of the business, told The Argus: “We have no big company looking after us, we stand alone in this fight against developers next door so someone like Norman Cook coming and supporting us, putting his weight behind the cause is invaluable in every possible sense.

The Argus: Fatboy Slim played to a packed out crowd at the Prince Albert on MondayFatboy Slim played to a packed out crowd at the Prince Albert on Monday (Image: Sara-Louise Bowrey/SaraBowreyPhotos.com)

“He is a real champion of the people, a real Brighton local who looks after his own and everyone here. He suggested doing the gig to us off his own back.

“We do nine gigs a week some weeks in the winter. We let any band of any size come and play, it doesn’t matter their stature or following.

“If we go, who will know what bands we will not be able to support. Who is going to look after these bands? What are other venues going to do when the next developer wants to move in and become flats.”