PLANS to turn a vacant shop into a pub and restaurant have been opposed by neighbouring residents.

Residents near to the proposed site of The Three Brass Monkeys pub and Monkey Puzzle restaurant, in Bridlington’s former Marks & Spencer, said it would encourage late night drinking.

The proposed opening hours for the pub are 10am to 12.30am Sunday to Thursday and to 1.30am Friday and Saturday.

Objections also came from nearby pubs and bars claiming another establishment would affect off-season trade.

The pub and restaurant would be the first new businesses to occupy the vacant M&S store which closed in April 2018. Plans also include opening an adult gaming centre on the Cliff Street side of the store.

One resident claimed life for those living nearby would become “unbearable” if the plans went ahead.

The resident said: “My flat on Cliff Street would be devalued and the noise and the kind of company this would bring down to the street would make life unbearable for me and all other flat owners.”

Reece Holland, chairman of the Bridlington Leisure Association, said there were too many pubs in Bridlington, adding the council had granted of five licences to drinking establishments this year.

Mr Holland said: “The property has always been a retail and food store and should remain the same.

“Amber Taverns are a multi-national and the town doesn’t see a benefit from business as all the money leaves Bridlington.

“If we get a giant bar/pub club you encourage stag and hen dos which is what happened to Blackpool, another thriving seaside town.

“There are now lots of drunken people about in large groups, creating an environment that wasn’t nice for older people and children.”

Applicants Amber Taverns Ltd stated in their submissions to East Riding Council that a planned partly enclosed roof terrace would help reduce late night noise.

The company said: “Prince Street will be utilised as the main customer access to the drinking establishment.

“This consequently reduces the potential for residents to be subject to unreasonable noise or disturbance as a result of customer activity outside the premises.

“The proposed roof terrace is also enclosed by sections of the existing building that will prevent any significant noise.

“The applicant is willing to discuss opening hours if deemed necessary by the council to support the application.”

The council is yet to approve plans and a licence for the pub. The opening of the restaurant have already been approved.