An application to open a new bar on Wood Street, in Wakefield city centre, has been approved.

Councillors approved the scheme after being reassured the premises will not be aimed at attracting “riff raff”.

Wakefield Council received objections to the plan from three local councillors who expressed concerns that the Westgate area was become a “free-for-all again”.

Premises owner Marcus Hilton told a licensing sub-committee hearing that he planned to open a “hybrid bar and restaurant”.

The vacant property is also accessed from George and Crown Yard, a narrow street already well-populated with bars.

He said: “I’m not interested in the Westgate carry on.

“I want to create a pleasant environment to help bring more people into the city centre.

He added: “There are more and more people moving into the city centre and I want it to be somewhere they will frequent.

“I’m not interested in live music at one o’clock and two o’clock.”

Mr Hilton said he had worked in the licensed trade in Wakefield city centre for almost 30 years.

He said he had been in charge of the Priory Bar for around 20 years without a police incident.

Mr Hilton said he planned to run the bar with his wife and a full-time bar manager.

Permission was granted to serve alcohol from 11am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 11pm on Sundays.

All three Labour councillors for Wakefield North ward objected to the scheme.

Bar plans approved as owner promises councillors "no riff raff" amid "free for all" fears