THE opening events at a rugby club's new community marquee will go ahead as planned after a permissions hurdle was overcome.

Consett Rugby Club applied to Durham County Council for temporary events notices for a club presentation and dinner dance in the clubhouse and marquee on May 4 and for a junior presentation and disco at the same times on May 18.

They sought permission to hold the events until 1am, though it is understood they will end at midnight.

But the council's environmental health officers objected to the TENs, saying a planning condition on the facility restricts the use of the marquee after 10pm, in the “interests of noise and residential amenity”.

Club treasurer John Heatherington told The Northern Echo that the first event will be the official opening of the marquee and would be attended by councillors who provided funds for the marquee.

A statutory licensing sub-committee was due to consider the applications yesterday but was cancelled after 'the TEN applications were withdrawn', a council spokesman said.

Councillor Alex Watson said club officials met with council officers and they were able to resolve the issues so the events can go ahead.

He said: “In reality it was a planning issue and thankfully that has been resolved. The rugby club is an important part of the Consett community, it has been here 70 years and there are always a hundred kids there at the weekend. The marquee is an incredible asset– for the club and groups and for people to hold functions like christenings and wedding parties. I'm so pleased these first ones can go ahead now."