PLANS for a new nightclub in Redcar have been approved.

But now nightclub owner Paul Raffique must push his plans for the club at 28, The Esplanade, Redcar past the Licensing Committee.

Only two letters of objection were received by the council, both from similar businesses. They were considered at a planning meeting on Wednesday.

Management from neighbouring The Top Deck and Leos and Silks wrote to complain that Redcar is already at saturation point for nightclubs, other clubs have not survived, the club may create anti-social behaviour and the premises are not suitable. The issue of parking and other traffic problems were also raised.

However, a report recommending approval for the nightclub was debated by the planning committee at Eston Town Hall.

The report said: "This location on the sea front is amongst entertainment uses such as prize bingo, amusement arcades and hot food restaurants. The immediate neighbours are a fish restaurant and Woolworths. The Property was originally The Palace Theatre.

"The issues raised by the objectors are in the main competition orientated and are not different to the existing operators on The Esplanade."

Chairman of the planning committee, Helen McLuckie, said: "When it came to it there was no planning reason to refuse permission. Competition just is not a reason to turn down any application as we've discovered with a number of take-aways where we've questioned the need for another one.

"However, it will be interesting to see how the Licensing Committee turns out and what the police and other people say then. There should be more of a debate there."