A NIGHTSPOT has had its application for an entertainment licence turned down because it is too noisy.

Sedgefield Borough Council received more than a dozen objections from residents about late-night noise levels at The Lakeside, at Woodham Golf and Country Club, Newton Aycliffe.

The club had applied for a renewal of its licence to allow public music and dancing until midnight on Thursdays and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The licence was first granted in January last year, subject to conditions.

It is understood that one condition was sound levels had to be less than 35 decibels, but council officers recorded higher levels.

Objectors and club officials appeared before a meeting of the council's licensing committee to put their case.

After the meeting, a spokesman for Sedgefield Borough Council said: "The application was refused on three points: firstly, on persistent noise which breached the noise level condition of the current licence; secondly, the excessive noise emanating from musical entertainment taking place on the premises; and finally, the nuisance and disturbance from people leaving the club."

He said: "Residents had expressed their concerns about the noise on Friday and Saturday nights, and council health officers confirmed existing health conditions had been breached."

Local councillor Alan Gray backed the decision, saying: "Having taken fully into account the views of the residents and the numerous complaints we have received, I agree with the unanimous decision taken by the committee not to renew the licence."

Club bosses have decided to appeal against the decision. The club will be open as normal while the appeal is considered by magistrates