A WAREHOUSE being run as a nightclub under a legal loophole has been described as “absolute lunacy” by a police officer.

Residents near the GC nightclub on the Europa Trading Estate, Erith, which opened last month, have raised concerns about disturbances since it opened, including public urination and “hanky-panky”.

The club does not have a full premises licence but under the club’s temporary event notice it can open 12 times a year.

Bexley police licensing officer PC Eddy Boston said: “The notice was originally introduced in Parliament for this to be used for schools to run things like pantos, not for people to have a pseudo-nightclub in a warehouse.

“But obviously it’s legal at the moment and they’re doing it.

“I’d be concerned about crime and disorder and the effect it’s going to have on residents nearby.

“It’s absolute lunacy to be honest.”

The club operates a bar, has properly licensed door staff and can legally stay open until 1am.

On a social networking website, organisers promise visitors pole-dancing, car shows and glamour girls.

Tony Palmer, 41, from Manor Road, Erith, said: “There’s been a marked increase in public urination and a bit of hanky-panky going on in the bushes, though I couldn’t say that’s definitely all from the nightclub.

“If that building’s not condemned it surely should be. It’s in a very poor condition.

“I’d like to see the organisers go through the proper processes and do things all above board.”

Club organiser Antony Stewart insisted he wanted to apply for a full licence eventually.

And he said the club would no longer be holding some of the activities promised on the website.

Mr Stewart: “We’re just seeing how the community takes to it. What I wanted to do eventually is set up a music training centre there as well.

He said the building was completely safe and added: “We’ve had not one speck of trouble since opening night.”

A spokesman for Bexley Council said: “The owner has now submitted an application and as a result, any enforcement action has been put on hold pending a decision.

“As with any planning application, residents and businesses close to the premises will be consulted.”