A CRAFT beer brewery company is hoping to set up city centre premises following a pop-up enterprise last year.

Steam Machine, a Newton Aycliffe-based brewing company, wants to open a bar in Durham city.

It has applied for a license for premises at the rear of 85 New Elvet, next to the Half Moon Pub, where it says it wants to run a “quirky craft beer bar and bottleshop”.

The company is run by Nick and Gulen Smith and started life on Aycliffe Business Park, in Newton Aycliffe.

Last year, it had a three-month residency at Empty Shop, off Framwellgate Bridge and now wants a permanent base in the city.

The application to Durham County Council is to open between 12noon and midnight every day, with an extension to 12.45am on bank holidays.

Objections have been raised by Orchard House Residents’ Association, as well as owners of the building Charles and Elizabeth Elliott, over concerns that it will lead to increased noise and nighttime public disorder.

Eight letters have also been sent in support of the company’s expansion.

Supporter James McLaughlin said: “Steam Machine is not a celebration of drinking. Rather, Steam Machine - a local County Durham startup still wholly owned by husband and wife - is a celebration of the art of beer.”

A meeting to decide whether to approve the licence is due to be held on Tuesday.