Wine bar set to open in former barber shop

The wine bar will have a maximum capacity for 100 people

Plans to open a wine bar in a former barber shop have been approved.

The application from National Cable Installations Ltd hopes to create a venue with "live and recorded music" at 10a Tower Street in Hartlepool.

Two full-time and four part-time roles will be created and the ground floor bar can open from 10:30 BST until midnight.

The Hartlepool Development Corporation approved the plans providing there would be no "unacceptable impact" on the surrounding area.

It said: "The proposed change of use is considered to be an appropriate use for the site... and will not impact on the significance of the [Church Street] conservation area."

No new extensions or building work will be required and there will be a maximum of 100 patrons at the bar at any time, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A previously submitted licensing application stated the site would operate as an "ultra modern" wine bar offering "normal bar activities in keeping with much of the culture of Scarborough Street" which is located nearby.

The first floor of the property operates as a tattoo studio, which will remain in place.

The site was most recently used as a barber shop, which also featured a ladies' salon.