THE LAST part of a former nightclub has been given the go-ahead to be converted into a ground floor flat.

Elders Nightclub, in Elder Road, Northallerton was renovated into 14 flats and two shop units early last year, but despite lengthy marketing the owner was unable to lease the final shop space.

Hambleton District Council’s planning committee last week approved the application despite planning officers recommending the project for refusal.

Officer Jill Low said because the living room would face into an alley way and onto a communal bin site.

She said: “The owner Paul Cochrane has been unable to lease the retail unit so now wants to change it to a ground floor flat.

“There will only be one aspect to the property with all the light coming in from one side but it will get some daylight.

“The applicant has said he would cover the bin area to improve appearance but we think that living conditions would not be good enough.”

The applicant also said the previous conversion from the nightclub to flats has improved the visual impact of the area and met a housing need.

Councillor John Coulson said: “Throughout Hambleton you will see pubs being boarded up.

“This applicant has decided that he would get going to try and re-let the building to bring it back into use.

“We have always looked for regeneration on that side of Northallerton to bring a lot of this area back into use. They should be congratulated not discouraged.”

Coun John Prest added: “There are far worse properties with less light in the town. This will make a new home for someone and should be granted.”

Councillors voted in favour of the development.