CONTROVERSIAL plans to open a nightclub in a residential area have created an outcry among householders.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee is being asked to consider a proposal to change the former Warrenby Hotel, in Tod Point Road, Warrenby, Redcar, into a nightclub.

The building has a warehouse operation, which planners say would not be affected by the nightclub as the area is designated for industrial, business and warehousing use in the council's plans.

Organisers say the club would be open from 7pm until 2am every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with occasional opening on other weekdays for functions and would provide parking for 29 cars.

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

But people in the Harwal Road area have submitted a letter of objection signed by more than 40 residents.

They say the area is populated by middle-aged and elderly people who would feel vulnerable at the prospect of more than 1,000 youngsters going to and from the club late at night. They also say there is a huge effort in the community to clean up the estate, which is benefiting from a cash injection of Single Regeneration Budget money, and this would go against everything they were trying to achieve.

In addition, they say a huge investment programme into regenerating the nearby Coatham Enclosure would be a much better location for such a venue.

Cleveland Police are concerned about disturbances the club would create in the neighbourhood. They are also worried that their over-burdened resources would be stretched even further and away from Redcar town centre, which has a large number of pubs and clubs.

Traffic experts from the council have also expressed their concerns at the problems of cars and taxis getting to and from the club via York Road late at night, causing further disturbances for local people.

Planning committee members meet on Friday to discuss the application. Officers recommend that they reject it