A PUB specialising in craft beer is step closer to opening after councillors backed the brewery’s application for a drinks licence.

Steam Machine hopes to open a premium beer bar and bottle shop in premises at the rear of 85 New Elvet in Durham city centre, near the Half Moon.

It won the backing of councillors sitting on the licensing sub-committee at County Hall in Durham, but was opposed by Charles and Elizabeth Elliott, who let part of the building out to students and are concerned about the potential impact on their welfare.

Mrs Elliott said she was concerned a narrow passageway leading to the premises was usually locked to prevent it being used as a toilet at night time.

She said: “If the front door is left open it is used as a lavatory and that is why we had to say it must be closed.”

A letter of opposition was also submitted by John Dixon, secretary of Orchard House Residents Association.

He said: “Residents in this building are suffering very regularly from on-street disorder, up to as late as 3am, caused by large, drunken, rowdy, groups who ‘drunk run’ up and down New Elvet.

“The situation has been regularly reported to police and a meeting with them is taking place shortly.

“We also hope to meet with the university authorities as it would seem that students are likely to be those causing the greater part of the disorder, noise and anti-social behaviour.”

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

Last year, it opened a pop-up pub for three months at Empty Shop, off Framwellgate Bridge and now wants a permanent base in the city.

Councillor Linda Marshall, chairwoman of the licensing sub-committee, said: “If there are problems we do have robust review procedures in place.

“We wish you luck in your endeavours.”

Next week, Durham County Council’s planning department will make a decision about whether to grant planning permission for the scheme.

Mr Smith, 32, a former chemistry teacher, said: “It is not a place for people to get tanked up.

“It is a place for people who want to enjoy premium beer, not a place for people to come to drink to excess.

“The idea is about creating a good atmosphere where the art of conversation can thrive with great beer you cannot get anywhere else.

“We have still got a long way to go but we are hoping the people of Durham will welcome us with open arms.”