QUEEN'S Hall in Minehead has been given the green light to be transformed into a family pub.

Members of the Planning Committee at West Somerset District Council granted permission for the historic building on Warren Road to be restored and converted, when they met yesterday (Thursday).

Plans for the 90-year-old seafront building, which is currently an amusement arcade, include a children's play area and dance floor and the re-instatement of the public viewing gallery.

Outside, layers of paint that have built up over the years will be removed to return the four-storey building to its original brick faade.

In a report presented to the committee, it was considered the development would represent a "substantial enhancement of the area".

The application by Lincolnshire Automatics Ltd did receive 11 objections from people who were concerned that the pub would bring an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour and that issues of drink, drugs, vandalism, violence, disorder and litter would be a problem.

Marcus Kravis, who currently leases Queen's Hall, said: "We have a lot of work to do, but we are aiming to be open in the middle to the end of May."

"Work will be starting as soon as possible and we will be appointing a contractor, it is now just a case of getting on with it and getting everything in its place."

Mr Kravis, who owns nearby K's Entertainments, said he expects eight full-time jobs to be created once the pub opens.