PLANS to increase the opening hours of a pub in Hartlepool look likely to be approved by councillors tomorrow.

The Park Hotel, in the town's Park Road, has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for permission to increase its opening hours from Monday to Saturday, 1pm to midnight, instead of 1pm to 11pm, and on Sundays from noon to 11.30pm, instead of noon to 10.30pm.

The premises consist of a detached building situated on a commercial block. The nearest residential property is approximately ten metres behind the back of the building in Dalton Street.

However, two residents from Dalton Street have objected to the proposal, raising fears it would increase noise in the area.

In a letter to the council, one resident said: "The 11pm cut-off time, in my opinion, is sufficient because of the noise and commotion. There is no reason to grant an extension to the opening hours."

The proposal will be discussed by members of the council's licensing committee who are being recommended to approve the application.