A "bleak" section of Newcastle's city centre may become a new street food market, but some concerned neighbours are objecting. Plans are in the works for a £2.3 million overhaul of Princess Square, behind the City Library, that developers say would turn the area into a “foodie paradise”.

The proposed Newcastle Street Food venue, based on a similar venture in Edinburgh, would see part of the square and a floor of the Pearl building taken over by independent local traders boasting an eclectic range of cuisine. However local residents are worried about the impact of such a project and have been having their say in our comments section below.

The property developer feels it would be regrettable for Princess Street to 'be left behind' the other principal shopping areas in the city and has said that alcohol will not be sold at the premises. However, the project has caused concern amongst the residents of a nearby tower block Bewick Court, who say they would be left to "pay the price" for Princess Square's redevelopment due to possible noise issues and the potential for attracting drug related crime.

Northumbria Police and the Council licencing and public health authorities dropped their objections to the market's licence application once they consented to a series of restrictions, including a guarantee that the market would close its outdoor dining area at 10pm.

Allaboutmoney is concerned: "Do you honestly believe they'll not be selling alcohol? They'll get the go ahead then say they can't compete with other sites in the city without selling alcohol." Whitleybeyonce replies: "They'll have to apply for a licence to sell alcohol. If it's likely to cause a nuisance to nearby residents, and if those residents make their opinions heard, chances are they won't get one. However, living in a city centre some noise is inevitable. Sounds like a brilliant idea to make use of a currently underused space."

the71 has traffic concerns: "bringing in many people great but nowhere to park at a reasonable cost and into town with pollution charge just beggars belief do something constructive!" DrjohnDee agrees: "The problem for Newcastle is the parking and even getting to it. Especially from the South now with the bridge restrictions."

GeordieBoy83 can see other options: "Parking is free in the city centre after a certain time. The low carbon charge doesn't apply to cars, and there's loads of options to get into town: car, bus, metro, taxi, walk, cycle."

FastEddie2 thinks it's a good project: "Great idea. God knows the area needs regenerating, though you could apply that to much of the city, especially the top half of Northumberland Street. Let's hope they're decent food outlets because you only have to look around Eldon Square and those under-populated food units to know we need something different."

Council members are planning to deliver a verdict on the future of the project after a Newcastle City Council licensing hearing on Tuesday.

Do you feel this redevelopment would be good for Newcastle? Have your say in our comments section below: