A CONTROVERSIAL plan to turn a Redcar hotel into a nightclub has been given the go-ahead by a Government inspector.

Proposals to convert the former Warrenby Hotel into a nightclub were opposed by residents and police, who feared excess noise, and the bid was turned down by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

But, following an appeal, Government inspector Kathleen Woodling has decided the council was wrong and has given the plan the go-ahead.

"The building stands a good distance from the nearest residential properties so that noise from activities within and around the premises would be most unlikely to disturb residents," she said in her report.

Business partners Martin Taberner and Philip Simpson now hope to open the as yet unnamed club in Tod Point Road, next summer.

"We are just waiting for the hotel owner to resolve some of his planning issues and then we will buy the hotel and begin work," said Mr Taberner. "We're really pleased because we've been waiting a long time for this."

He said the club would be an "upmarket" venue for about 500 people.

"It's a least quarter of a mile from any houses so we don't think there will be any disturbance for residents," he said.

In an area of high unemployment, the club would create more than 12 club staff jobs and one office staff position.

But residents of nearby Harwal Road, who submitted a letter of objection signed by more than 40 people, said they were bitterly disappointed with the decision.

Della Marshall said: "It will mean increased noise until all hours, increased traffic on a road that isn't fit to take it and the possibility of increased crime because people act out of character when they are drunk."