Objections against the late night closing time of a new superclub in Watford town centre caused a licensing hearing to be postponed this afternoon.

Luminar Leisure Ltd, which owns Destiny in The Parade, has applied for a new licence ahead of the nightclub's rebranding and expansion as Oceana.

The management have asked Watford Borough Council to extend the venue's opening hours until 4.30am and allow the sale of alcohol until 4am.

The application was due to be heard by the council's Licensing Sub-Committee but was deferred as Luminar entered further negotiations with the police, and residents who have lodged objections.

If an agreement is reached, a licence will be granted. However, if there is no compromise, councillors will discuss the application on February 6.

The current licence for Destiny means alcohol can only be served until 2am, with closing time falling at 2am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and at 3am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Luminar have already agreed to fund a taxi marshal in Albert Road South, outside Oceana's entrance, and planning permission has been granted for a new bar, called First Port, to open in the existing empty shop space beneath Destiny. The entrance to the venue will shift from The Parade to Albert Road South.

Permission has also been granted for a roof terrace above the nightclub to be used as a smoking area .