A FORMER nightclub owner hopes to turn one of Durham's oldest pubs into a haven for real-ale enthusiasts.

Cafe Rock Limited ran the Cafe Rock and DH1 venues, in North Road, Durham, for seven years before selling to Vimac Leisure last year.

It then bought the Travellers Rest pub, in Claypath, and has drawn up a £450,000 scheme to expand and revamp the Grade II listed building.

Cafe Rock director Steve Anderson said: "We have seen the big operators looking to open places with loud music.

"This is going to be something different because not everyone wants to have blasting music.

"It will be a place where you can enjoy a few good pints and good company. We are planning on having a good range of seven to ten real ales.

"There will be no DJ equipment, although there will be background equipment. I think we will get an older clientele, although on a Friday and Saturday nights we will still get a bit of the circuit trade.''

The scheme entails expanding into the former Dragon Restaurant next door and replacing ramshackle buildings at the back of the pub.

Mr Anderson said: "There are 16th and 17th Century timbers and a 16th Century wall we want to make features of."

Mr Anderson said staffing could rise from two to 11.

Cafe Rock's planning application has run into opposition from about 20 residents in the area and the City of Durham Trust.

They say the area is "under assault'' from applications for pubs - plans to re-open the former Palladium cinema as a nightspot were defeated last year - and that the Travellers Rest plans will add to the noise, nuisance and vandalism they already suffer from late-night revellers.

The objectors have also raised concerns about parking and traffic problems and the impact on the nearby Priory quiet haven.

Durham City Council's development control committee was recommended by officers to grant the scheme approval.

Officers said that on balance the scheme was acceptable, but councillors have voted to make a site visit before coming to a decision.