PLANS for a themed cafe bar have prompted protests from residents of nearby flats.

Permission has already been granted to build a Chicago Rock Caf on Front Street in Chester-le-Street.

Now the company behind the development, Luminar Leisure, is waiting to hear whether or not it will be granted a drinks licence.

The leisure chain said it decided to build in Chester-le-Street after a request from people living in the town.

But the plan for the American-style bar has prompted protests from people living in Union Court.

Angela Dawson, secretary of Union Court Residents' Association, said people living in the flats were horrified by the proposed development.

The bar would be about 100 metres from their homes, which are for the over-55s.

Angela, who helps run the association because her 82-year-old mother lives in one of the flats, said: "There are 34 flats in Union Court and 37 inhabitants.

"Most of them are octogenarians, a fair few are in their nineties. They bought these flats because they wanted peace and quiet.

"When the pub closes at night, don't tell me there won't be fighting, urinating, people being sick and standing around."

Planning permission was granted for the £1.2m development six months ago but she said residents at Union Court only found out on June 22, when they saw a notice on the site of the former garage.

Chester-le-Street District Council said it consulted every household in the vicinity by posting notification through letterboxes and advertising in local papers, and did not receive objections.

Chief Inspector for Durham and Chester-le-Street, Laz Szomoru, said police were not going to object when the application for a drinks licence comes before magistrates on August 9.

The hearing was adjourned yesterday.

Luminar Leisure director Steve Dennis said: "I'd be quite happy to allay the fears of the residents at Union Court.

"Should any residents have any concerns, I'll be happy to meet them at any time.

"This is also a brand new, purpose-built building and we will give absolute assurances there will be no noise escaping from this building that will affect anybody in neighbouring properties.