PLANS to build a themed caf bar has thrown residents from nearby flats on to a collision course with developers.

Planning permission has already been granted to build a Chicago Rock Caf on Chester-le-Street's Front Street and now the company behind the development, Luminar Leisure, is waiting to hear whether it will be granted a drinks licence.

The leisure chain says it decided to build there after a request from people living in the town. But it seems not everyone is welcoming the American-style bar with open arms.

Angela Dawson, secretary of Union Court Residents' Association, said people living in the Union Court flats are horrified by the proposed development. The bar will be about 100 metres from the flats, which are built exclusively for the over-55s.

Angela, who helps run the association because her 82-year-old mother lives in one of the flats, said: "There are 34 flats in Union Court and 37 inhabitants, most of them are octogenarians, a fair few are in their nineties. They bought these flats because they wanted peace and quiet. When the pub closes at night, don't tell me there won't be fighting, urinating, people being sick and standing around."

Planning permission was granted six months ago, but Angela said residents only found out on June 22 this year, when they saw a notice posted on the site of the former garage.

Chester-le-Street District Council says it consulted every household in the vicinity of the development by posting notification through letterboxes and advertising the plans in local papers and did not receive a single objection at the time.

Chief Insp Laz Szomoru, based at Durham police station, said police are not going to object when the application for a drinks licence comes before magistrates on August 9.

Luminar Leisure director Steve Dennis said: "I'd be quite happy to allay the fears of the residents at Union Court. Should any residents have any concerns I'll be happy to meet them at any time."