A SUPERMARKET giant has been given the all-clear to expand further in Durham city centre.

Sainsbury’s has been granted planning permission to convert 3 North Road, formerly the Cinnamon Indian restaurant upstairs and a Burger King fast food restaurant downstairs, into a new store.

The scheme had the backing of Elvet and Gilesgate county councillor David Freeman and was approved by Durham County Council planning officers acting under delegated powers.

Sainsbury’s wants the store to be open 7am to 11pm seven days a week.

The retail giant already has a superstore at the Arnison Centre, Pity Me, and smaller branches in Belmont, Gilesgate and, since February, on the A167 at Crossgate Moor, in the former Lodge pub.