A PLANNING inspector has approved plans for a disused cinema to be turned into a new-style theme pub.

The Palladium, in Claypath, Durham, has stood empty for many years but the inspector's decision paves the way for it to become a Chicago Rock Caf watering hole.

Durham City Council has consistently refused planning applications to open pubs in the building because it is near the residential end of the street and retirement flats are close by.

The latest application, by development company Tribecka Estates, was opposed by residents, the City of Durham Trust and police, who feared an increase in noise, disturbance and drunken violence.

Chicago Rock Cafs, operated by Luminar Leisure, are aimed at people aged 25 to 45, offer music and include a restaurant.

Planning inspector Martin Bingley said he was satisfied that proposed noise-reduction measures would prevent disturbance to residents.

He said people leaving the nightspot would create noise, but the area was already "fairly lively" from Thursdays to Sundays because it was close to the city centre.

"Although it is difficult to generalise, it seems to me that the more mature clientele likely to be attracted to the premises may well cause fewer problems related to noise of anti-social behaviour outside the building at closing times.''

He said that the applicants could turn the building into a nightclub without planning permission - cinemas and dance halls have the same use classification under planning law - which could mean a closing time of 3am instead of the 1am proposed.

City of Durham Trust chairman Roger Cornwell said he was "very disappointed" by the decision and that the trust would oppose the firm's public entertainment and drinks licence applications.

A council spokeswoman said: "The inspector has decided that the application will go through and we accept his decision.'