PLANS to re-open a once-famous night club near Yarm were withdrawn at the 11th hour this week, after residents and an MP objected.

Now, a developments of 18 apartments and 22 homes looks set to go ahead at Kirklevington Country Club, which has become an eyesore since closure in 1997.

Applicant Bassam Mekkaoui withdrew his nightclub plan for the venue, popularly known as The Kirk, just before Stockton Council licensing committee was due to consider it.

He is a former manager of The Mall club in Stockton, which dominated Cleveland's night life in the Eighties before the growth of venues such as Tall Trees at Yarm, which accommodates thousands of clubbers.

He hoped to be granted a licence permitting music, singing, dancing and sports entertainment. The club would have been open from 9am to 2am.

Now the site, where pop and rock stars once performed, is earmarked for flats and homes.

Stockton Council received numerous objections from Kirklevington residents, stating they had suffered from years of noise and disturbance when the old club operated.

Among them was Joan Roberts, of Thirk Road, who was surprised to receive a letter from the council on Monday morning, announcing the controversial plan was withdrawn.

"No reasons have been given," she said. "All I know is that the plan will not now be submitted. It was a simple, short letter."

Residents had enlisted the help of Stockton South MP, Dari Taylor, who said: "I felt the re-opening of this club would be a retrograde step for Kirklevington residents. It left me with no other position and I supported their campaign."

Cleveland police also objected to the plan, saying the village location would create difficulties in the provision of full police cover.

Alternative proposals by Maher Developments for 18 two-bedroomed apartments and 22 cottages were approved at a July planning committee meeting, subject to further consultations.