PLANS to create a snooker hall in Chester-le-Street have been rejected by councillors.

Lee Holdsworth was seeking permission to convert the former Excel Refrigeration office, in Station Road, and said it would create 300 hours of employment a week.

Chester-le-Street District Council's planning committee heard how Mr Holdsworth planned to offer coaching sessions aimed at juniors and how the hall would provide a much-needed leisure facility.

Six letters of objection were received. Protestors said the site was inappropriate for leisure and that a snooker hall would be better in the High Street.

Concerns were raised about traffic congestion and potential parking problems in the area, as well as late night noise, vandalism and litter in nearby residential areas.

A report to the committee said: "It is considered that the proposal is contrary to the intentions of the Chester-le-Street local plan, which seeks to reserve the land for business uses.

"Whilst the applicant has attempted to justify the development by virtue of projected employment-creation figures, it is not considered that these possible levels are acceptable to justify the proposal in comparison to possible figures achievable."

Committee members turn-ed down the proposal.