A NEW micropub is set to open in Ponteland after plans were approved by councillors.

The application, to change the use of a vacant premises at 10 West Road, was approved at last week’s meeting of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council.

The bid came before the committee due to the opposition of Ponteland Town Council. Coun. Alan Hall, from the town council, said: “We think it’s the wrong location for this type of development.”

He raised concerns over noise, rubbish and cigarette ends, nuisance from cars, taxis and delivery vehicles, and the fear of the ‘gable wall being used as a urinal’.

But applicant Michael Barnes addressed the concerns when he explained that this was very much a plan for a micropub whose clientele were more interested in the quality than the quantity of drinks.

Coun. David Towns moved approval, saying: “I think the concerns can be addressed by the nature of the business and the conditions we are putting in place.”

Coun. Scott Dickinson added: “I think this is the direction of travel for our towns.”

However, Coun. Richard Dodd, the local ward member, said: “I’m very uneasy about this application because of its proximity to residential and the old folks’ home.

“I applaud what is being proposed; it’s a different option, a welcome option, but it’s in the wrong place.”