PLANS have been unveiled for a new drinking establishment in a market town prompting objections from residents who say it will be a licensed premises to many in an area already saturated with pubs and clubs.

Cestrian Estates have applied to Durham County Council for outline planning permission to demolish 10 and 11 Ashfield Terrace, in Chester-le-Street, and build a replacement for use as drinking establishment.

The company says the present building is in a poor condition and needs replacing and that it wants to ensure the viability of the site.

Resident Andrew Fish, said in one of several objections on the council’s planning portal: “Is there really a need for another new bar in the middle of a residential area?

“There are now eight licensed bars within 100 yards of our house. The back lane is a public toilet even during broad daylight hand we have associated problems with staff and customers parking days on end.

“We are losing two well-supported businesses, along with the historic buildings to open a ninth bar when there are empty pubs and lots of empty shops further down the hight street.

“Chester-le-Street will end up full of pubs, takeaway and charity shops if the conversion of shops into bars doesn’t stop.”

Resident Paul Johnson added: “We certainly don’t need another drinking establishment at the top end of Chester-le-Street, as we are already surrounded by seven drinking places - most opening for long hours, disrupting our peace.”

Graham Hodgson, director of PH Partnerships Architects, which is acting as an agent for Cestrian Estates, said: “The existing building is very small and in a very poor condition.

“Demolition of the existing structyure and replacement would provide far more viable and practical property.”

He added: “The application is for outline permission only, so a lot of detail will be determined with the local authority.

“If the residents have got any concerns about the application the process is fully transparent and in the public domain.

“The purpose of it is for residents to raise any issues they have. I know that similar issues were raised with other proposals and have been in past and quite often their fears have been allayed by certain conditions such as opening hours.”

He added Cestrian Estates had consulted with the existing tenants.