A COUNCIL has dropped its opposition to plans for a nightclub.

Chester-le-Street district councillors had blocked attempts by nightclub owner Billy Walton to secure planning permission for his second nightclub in the town, fearing it would lead to anti-social behaviour.

The businessman lodged an appeal against the refusal, which was due to be heard in September.

But the council has decided not to fight the case at appeal.

The dispute over the plans, submitted by Mr Walton's Hunky Dory Leisure company has continued for more than a year.

Mr Walton plans to open a club and ground floor caf/bar on the site of the derelict Queens Hall Bingo, in the town's Market Place, along with two retail units.

Planning permission for a 1,000-capacity venue was refused by councillors in January, because they thought it would lead to an increase in crime.

Police also feared a late-night bar was likely to lead to a significant risk of crime and disorder in the area.

A few months later the police withdrew their objections, after Mr Walton gave a formal undertaking that only one of his nightclubs would be open at a time. Mr Walton also owns Crocodillos nightclub and the Glo bar behind it.

When Mr Walton made a second application for planning permission last month, councillors blocked the plans again, saying they still had concerns about anti-social behaviour. Mr Walton then appealed.

At the council's last planning meeting, officers advised councillors that it was unlikely the authority would be successful with an appeal.

Councillors decided to withdraw from the appeal, as they felt they could not defend the case without the support of the police. The plans will now be scrutinised by the planning inspectorate, but are unlikely to be blocked again.

Mr Walton said: "Chester-le-Street council are quite right - the town isn't big enough for two nightclubs - but we want planning permission so we have the option of putting one there. But we are definitely going to open the caf/bar."

A council spokesman confirmed that the authority was withdrawing from the appeal.