Residents have told a court how a new nightclub in Brighton would increase their problems.

They blame late-night noise by drunken clubbers for making their lives a misery The residents were giving evidence at an appeal hearing at Lewes Crown Court against an application for a drinks licence by the club.

Po Na Na wants to open a £1.5 million venue, with a 1,040 capacity, at the Aquarium Terraces in Madeira Drive.

The club operator is appealing against a decision by Brighton magistrates to refuse a late-night alcohol licence.

Residents are objecting to the licence being granted because of fears a new club would lead to an increase in noise and crime.

They told the court they already had to put up with sleepless nights, shouting in the streets and people urinating in their doorways.

Dr Janie Thomas, who represents the Kingscliffe Society, told the hearing: "We are not killjoys. The lives of many of us are already blighted. The proposed club is a club too far."

Dr Thomas said the number of late-night venues had increased in the area over the past few years and this had led to growing problems for residents.

She said: "At the risk of sounding melodramatic, we are frankly in despair of things getting worse."

Roger Rolfe, of Princes Street, told the court he had started a daily noise diary detailing disturbances outside his home. He estimated 50 per cent of his sleeping time was disturbed.

The level of noise and lawlessness had got worse over the past three years and a new club would only increase the problems.

He said: "The city is full of people drunk late at night shouting their heads off. I shall have to move soon to get some peace and quiet."

Trevor Scoble, who is representing the Return the Aquarium Terraces Group, said: "The situation has become intolerable."

Po Na Na, which runs more than 50 clubs and bars around the country, has denied the new venue will increase disturbance for people living nearby.

If the application is approved, the club would be one of the largest on the South Coast.

The police withdrew their opposition to the application after Po Na Na agreed to close at 1am and install a CCTV link to the police station.

A decision on the appeal is expected to be announced today.