Councillors are being asked to refuse plans to allow a club to hold a public entertainment licence.

Central United Workingmen's Club, in Shields Terrace, Hartlepool, has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing department for permission for the licence which would permit singing, music and dancing.

The hours would be 11am to 2am, Monday to Saturday, noon to 12.30am on Sunday, and on Sundays preceding bank holidays, from midday to 2am.

The building is in a predominately residential area and one letter of objection has been received by the council over concerns it would lead to an increase in noise.

The club has been open for a number of years as a private members' club and because of this has not needed a public entertainment licence where entertainment for members was being provided. The licence would allow the premises to be open to the public for the hours requested.

A report to the committee, which meets next Wednesday, said: "There is no history of complaints regarding noise breakout associated with these premises.

"The public protection and housing division is of the opinion that the close proximity of the premises to residential properties may lead to noise disturbance for residents in the early hours in the morning, a situation that could be exacerbated by the lack of designated car parking facilities."

It is recommended the application be refused. However, councillors are told that if they are minded to approve the application, sound insulation should be installed.