A HOTEL is opposing plans to re-open a Teesside nightclub once plagued by violence and underage drinkers.

The Wesley, in Hartlepool, which received the most police call-outs for drink-fuelled violence in the town last year, closed in January but is hoping to re-open by Christmas with a new ethos.

Owner Lady Joy Ltd plans to spend £1m refurbishing the listed building in Wesley Square and is hoping to attract a different kind of customer.

Planning officials at Hartlepool Borough Council, however, have deferred the application until steps are put in place for sound-proofing.

A letter of objection has been lodged from the neighbouring Grand Hotel. It says that its business could be jeopardised by increased noise, anti-social behaviour and litter from the club.

The hotel managing director said he had problems with the club previously. He feared the noise would get worse, as the new plans proposed a disabled access opposite the hotel. He believes noise will escape from the open door, disturbing hotel guests.

"We are very worried about the noise," Danesh Kohli said.

"We have had problems in the past and had some customers who were staying here complain that they couldn't get to sleep in the middle of the night because of the noise.

"The new plans include a disabled entrance near to our own entrance.

"I don't know how we are going to overcome that, but we are waiting to find out what kind of insulation the club is going to use."

Lady Joy has twice had the application deferred by the planning committee until the issue of noise is dealt with. The firm has now appointed a noise consultant to produce a report on the problem.

Planning committee member Councillor Stan Kaiser said all would be done to safeguard tourism and visitors.

"The planning committee will insist that The Wesley produces extremely good sound-proofing to floors, doors and windows and it will do so because the Grand Hotel is the most prestigious hotel in the town and it deserves our support and protection," he said.

Lady Joy area manager Russell Vickers was unavailable for comment yesterday, but has previously assured Hartlepool that everything will be done in the best interests of the town.