PLANS to change the use of a row of terrace buildings on the seafront of Seaton Carew into a pub have been refused by councillors.

Members of Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee met yesterday to discuss plans for the vacant buildings on The Front at the resort.

It had been proposed to change the use of the premises to provide a ground and first-floor licensed premises.

The premises are situated beside hot food takeaways, shops and a tanning studio, as well as amusement arcades, and close to a sheltered housing complex, Major Copper Court.

Concerns were raised by councillors about the proximity of the sheltered housing.

Councillor Stan Kaiser said: "I am not convinced putting in double-glazing solves the problem at all. We can't police it 100 per cent of the time. I think it is the wrong project in the wrong place."

Councillor Robbie Payne said: "Twenty-five years ago, there used to be a nightclub problem there with noise, violence and anti-social behaviour. Seaton Carew at the moment is served well by pubs and another one will only exasperate it."

The application was refused due to concerns of noise and disturbance.