David Cooke, of Linnvale, wants the arts hub - which would play host to live gigs, offer music lessons and act as a cafe - to be suitable for all ages and alcohol-free.

The site, home to the former Crow Bar on Dumbarton Road, is still classed as a public house and changing it to a food and drink establishment requires a planning application going to West Dunbartonshire Council at a cost of £382.

That is money which David argues would be better spent on other areas of the business and he has spoken to local MSP Gil Paterson over the issue, having already invested in a public entertainment licence.

The 23-year-old said: “This is money which could be going into getting the business off the ground.

“It feels like I am being punished because I don’t want to sell alcohol.

“The venue would be promoting live music and local artists. During the day, people could pop into the cafe or take up an instrument with music lessons so the music centre would be a real asset to the community.” David plans to lease the property on Dumbarton Road and is hoping to receive funding from development agency Firstport and the New Enterprise Allowance, a government scheme encouraging people to become self-employed as a way of getting back into work.

Operating as a community interest company, David hopes the business could eventually employ as many as 20 people in a variety of roles.

He told the Post: “I have carried out a lot of research and there is a lot of demand for a live music venue like this.

“As it wouldn’t be selling alcohol, all ages are welcome which I think is really important.

“In the time that I’ve been living here, I haven’t seen a great deal of things for young people to do so the centre would give performance opportunities for musicians from all sorts of genres.

“As with any business in the early stages, money is tight and it just seems an unnecessary cost, particularly when the planning application involves minimal physical changes.” A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “The need for planning permission in these circumstances and the fees for applications are both governed by Scottish Government legislation which the council does not have discretion to waive.

“Whilst the council is sympathetic towards the difficulties faced by small businesses and community ventures, the council is legally obliged to abide by the national planning regulations.” Anyone looking to support David Cooke’s venture can log on to: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/thehellcherry/