PLANS to open a private members' club on the site of the former RAFA Club in Darlington are progressing.

Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee has agreed to grant Magnus Wilson of Sunderland a provisional public musical entertainment licence for the proposed Atlantic Bar and Club, in Duke Street.

The licence will allow the club to operate from 11am until 2am from Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 12.30am on Sundays, with a maximum capacity of 485.

Mr Wilson - who owns several pubs and restaurants in the North-East - and his business partner, Les Langley, intend to operate a strict membership policy, with a target clientele of professional and business people aged over 25.

Mr Wilson told the meeting: "We will develop a member database while membership after that will only be by referral, with a rigorous vetting scheme.

"Currently, Darlington does not have such facilities where these people can drink, dine and enjoy some form of entertainment in a safe and secure environment.

"We believe there is a demand for this in Darlington and it will enhance the town centre."

The police have no objection to the application.

A spokesman said: "The police view is that this application is different to many others because it is a private club."

Mr Wilson must now apply a drinks licence with a special hours certificate from magistrates.