CONTROVERSIAL plans to allow a busy Dartford pub to extend its weekend opening hours are set to be agreed.

The Litten Tree, in Spital Street, wants to open until 1.30am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Dartford Council officers have given the scheme the thumbs-up, despite objections from police, residents and taxi drivers.

Statistics show that the town's peak times for crime and disorder are when pubs and clubs close.

Residents feel extending the Litten Tree's opening hours will subject them to more noise and anti-social behaviour.

Dartford Council's planning committee will be voting on a recommendation to approve the extension hours plan tonight, subject to the pub submitting a management plan.

An officer's report said: "A precedent has already been set in that permission has been granted to extend the opening hours to 1.30am on Sundays before bank holidays. As far as I am aware, this has not caused a problem in the area.

"While I accept the concerns of the police, I can see no planning reason to refuse the application or to restrict the permission for a temporary period."