A LICENCE application for a new cafe/bar at a former police station has been submitted.

A planning application was submitted to Northumberland County Council towards the end of last year seeking permission to convert the former police station on Bell Villas in Ponteland into a restaurant. A decision has not yet been made.

Now, company Skewjack 73 Limited has also submitted a licence application to the county council.

The application states supply of alcohol would be from 10am until midnight.

Plans show that the main public seating areas and the kitchen would be on the ground floor, while staff areas and the toilets would be on the first floor.

There would also be an outdoor seating area.

Ponteland Town Council has objected to the planning application, and said it has concerns over noise levels and potential odours.

The council added: "The proposed indoor and outdoor establishment would be set close to the main A696. This stretch of road is a “hot spot” for congestion and roadside deliveries to other establishments.

"Vehicles coming to this establishment, including taxis during the day and into the evening and late night would exacerbate this."

The Environmental Protection Team at Northumberland County Council has objected to the plans. They said the noise survey submitted "does not appear to adequately assess the noise sources and impact upon nearby premises including residential".

The Environment Agency has also objected to the proposal, as they said the submitted flood risk assessment "does not adequately assess the flood risks posed by the development".

When the planning application was submitted, a highways and travel statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: "Whilst the proposals will see an increase in traffic associated with the site the increase is not considered to have a harmful impact on the highway network."

They also said in a planning statement: "All the correct measures and design elements will be implemented to ensure odour and acoustic break out are combated.

"This proposal looks to enhance the area and every measure will be undertaken to stop any negative impact."

To see more details on the planning application, visit the county council's planning portal and search reference number 21/03361/FUL.