A traditional real ale pub hoping to sell pie and mash is one step closer to opening after councillors approved a licence application.

The North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) licensing sub-committee passed the premises licence application by Pete Callaway today.

Mr Callaway hopes to open his Market Tavern plus a 'pie and mashery' on Market Street, North Walsham, but still needs his change of use planning application approved by the NNDC development committee.

The building concerned used to be the Carpenter's Arms youth drop in centre and before that it was a pub.

Mr Callaway, who owns the premises, wants to create a traditional tavern selling real ales, wines and authentic British fare including sausages from Norfolk butcher J&D Papworth Farms.

He told the committee the opening hours would be between 11am and 2pm and 6pm to 11pm on week days and 11am to 10.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

His application for a 24/7 licence meant he could be more flexible with his opening hours if the pub hosted an event, including a wedding reception or a party.

But he hoped to attract an older crowd and did not envisage staying open until 2am on many occasions.

There were four letters objection to the NNDC about noise from the barn at the back, which would contain the pie and mashery.

The NNDC environmental health team objected because of noise concerns but since then Mr Callaway has worked on the building to make it more soundproof. An environmental health inspection will be carried out next week.

A smoking area will also be at the front of the building.

Mr Callaway said at the end of the hearing: 'We have got to take concerns of the neighbours into consideration.'