DURHAM'S MP has voiced his disappointment at the decision to approve plans to turn the Robins Cinema in North Road into a Walkabout Australian theme bar.
Judge Beatrice Bolton presided at a two-week appeal brought by Regent Inns against the refusal of North Durham's licensing justices to approve plans.
The appeal was allowed and £1.8m development is due to open next year.
Labour MP Gerry Steinberg said: "It is particularly frustrating when demand for late-night entertainment can already be fully met.''
Mr Steinberg said big companies had 'apparently endless resources'' to spend winning expensive court cases 'at the expense of the locals who are left to deal with the consequences.'
He welcomed Government proposals to transfer responsibility for deciding drinks licence applications to councils from magistrates.
"I believe this is more appropriate as local authorities know the area better than the courts and can strategicallyimplement plans for a particular area as a result.''
Judge Beatrice Bolton, who sat with magistrates, accused some objectors of 'a degree of snobbery' in labelling all late-night drinkers 'animals'.
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