PLANS to turn a former pub and nightclub into flats have been given the go-ahead.

Elder’s Bar, in Elder Road, Northallerton, closed last year after almost 20 years of trading in the town.

Landlord Paul Cochrane had hoped it would be taken over by the JD Wetherspoon chain.

He came up with plans for 14 apartments and two retail units after talks with the company stalled.

Planning officers from Hambleton District Council had recommended the scheme for refusal, citing concerns over a lack of parking.

The committee ignored those recommendations after hearing from committee member Councillor John Coulson, who is also the mayor of Northallerton.

He argued that purchasers of the flats would be aware of the lack of dedicated parking.

Coun Coulson added that the apartments would be ideal for those wanting to live and work close to the town centre.

Yesterday’s meeting also heard that the change of use from commercial to largely residential properties would have a significant impact on the area, which had become a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour.

Another pub landlord with cause for celebration is David Hawksworth, who runs the Fox and Hounds, in the town’s Bullamoor Road.

He had applied for retrospective approval for a marquee, which is used for evening functions.

Like Mr Cochrane’s application, it was recommended for refusal but given the go-ahead by the committee.

Rob Blacklock, who lives less than 100m from the pub, objected to the plans, saying noise seeped from the marquee.

Mr Hawksworth stressed that he wanted to be fair to the pub’s neighbours and said complaints about noise were extremely rare.

He said: "We have got to try and create extra business for ourselves, as there are a lot of pubs closing."

Coun Coulson supported Mr Hawksworth’s application, but told Mr Blacklock that any future problems with noise levels could be dealt with by the council’s licensing committee.

Also approved was plans for a camp site on agricultural land in Husthwaite, near Thirsk.

Developer Barnaby Smith will be allowed to install 40 timber "eco-pods" or tents.

The committee agreed with the officers’ recommendation that the scheme be approved, but stipulated that no caravans be allowed on the site.