A NIGHTCLUB could soon be built opposite the Quaker Meeting House, but residents claim it will make a "no-go area" worse.

A planning application has been submitted for a 240-capacity club and Darlington Borough Council officers have recommended approval.

Residents have opposed the club, arguing the meeting house already suffers from rowdy drinkers and vandalism.

But developers said the club will be well-managed and soundproofed.

The club would be on the first floor of the Penthouse Fitness Centre, next to Flares bar. The gym would move to the second floor, if plans are approved.

The nightclub would close at 10pm Monday and Wednesday, midnight Thursday and Sunday, and 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Although Skinnergate has mainly bars and shops, there are homes in Friends School Yard, Arcadia Court, British School Yard, and a warden's flat at the Quaker Meeting House.

The meeting house - a grade II-listed building - is yards from the proposed club.

The planning committee has received ten letters from concerned residents.

One wrote: "The Quaker burial ground is behind the meeting house and is a site of huge importance.

"It already has unwanted visitors from pubs and clubs and further development would only worsen the situation."

Another wrote: "Skinnergate is already a no-go area for anyone not on a pub crawl and is not pleasant for anyone visiting the meeting house at night-time."

Architect Eric Tweddle, from Tweddle Associates said: "To be honest, I live quite close to a hotel that had a lot of noise. Following complaints, they put sounds curtains in, like we will have at the club, and now we can't hear a thing."

The nightclub's application was due before the planning committee on Wednesday, but was withdrawn to allow changes to an outdoor smoking area.

The application will be heard on Wednesday, September 19.

The planning officer's report states: "With appropriate controls in place, it is not considered that the proposed nightclub would adversely impact upon the amenities of nearby residential properties.