PLANS to convert a cinema into an Australian theme bar could win planning permission despite strong opposition.

Police are among the objectors to the proposals for the conversion of Robins Cinema, which would see another night spot created just a few yards from the DH2 and Club Elysium night clubs in North Road, Durham.

Senior officers fear a further increase in drink-fuelled crime, which rose 14 per cent last year, if the scheme goes ahead.

But Durham City Council's development control committee will be recommended tomorrow to give London company Regent Inns approval.

The building started as the Classic Cinema, later served as a billiard hall and then a religious meeting place, and in recent years has been run by the independent Robins Cinema group.

But the cinema's future is threatened by the arrival of a multiplex cinema in the Walkergate leisure complex, being built by the city council and developer Amec, which could leave it unable to compete.

Regent Inns is planning an Australian theme for the bar, part of its Walkabout chain. It would open between 11am and 2am, offering food, dancing, televised sport and live music.

Police are worried that the plan will have "serious implications for crime and disorder" in North Road, and could lead to a price-war with outlets trying to offer the cheapest drinks.

They say the area has sufficient licensed premises and that granting permission would undermine the council's own licensing strategy.

Neighbouring householders, the City of Durham Trust and the operator of the neighbouring night clubs are also objecting.

But the council's corporate director of environmental services, Neil Smith, said in a report to councillors: "There is no evidence to suggest that substantially more drinkers will be attracted into Durham by this proposal than is currently the case."

He also said that there was every chance that drinkers would be drawn from other venues and that police concerns "in part, result from their limited resources".

But CCTV coverage in North Road is effective and would be enhanced by the scheme. He said that claims of increased trouble were pure speculation.

Refusing permission could not be sustained in planning terms, councillors will be told.