A PLAN to knock down an alternative nightclub and replace it with a hotel has been dropped “for the foreseeable future”.

Businessman Philip Oram has decided not to submit an application for Sound Circus Bournemouth after regulars protested.

The 54-year-old had told the Echo he wanted to turn the Holdenhurst Road site into a 138-bed budget hotel called Interchange.

“I will probably be holding back from those plans for the foreseeable future,” said Mr Oram.

“I didn’t want to spoil the youngsters’ fun.

“I didn’t realise it would get that much reaction. But it’s nice to know my property is so desirable.”

Sound Circus has a capacity of 400 and is popular with students.

The club plays music like metal and alternative dance, and is linked to the Lions Head pub next-door.

Owner Keith Grant, 42, from Southampton, said he was not surprised the plan had not been submitted.

He said: “He would’ve had to buy the lease off me. And the club’s doing quite well so it’s not as if it’s going to fall back on him at any point.”

He added: “The regulars were a bit upset when they heard about the idea and started a Facebook group.

“It’s really the only venue in town that offers something completely different.”

Clubgoers protested on the Echo website when the proposed plans was reported.

Mr Oram has also announced plans to make the former Punshon Church opposite the BIC into a 110-bed hotel, and the former Crank nightclub into 14 two-bed flats.