RESIDENTS have backed plans for a continental cafe in Norton.

Stockton Borough Council has received a planning application to change the use of two ground-floor offices into a cafe in the town's High Street.

The council has received 12 letters and a 36 name petition in support of the plans. Seven objections have also been received from residents concerned about noise and problems with car parking. To reduce the potential for disturbance it has been suggested the cafe would close at 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and remain closed on a Sunday.

A report to the council's planning committee, which meets tomorrow, says: "It is considered this is a finely balanced application."

Committee members are being recommended to approve the plans.