CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish an arson-hit former hotel and pub in Bishop Auckland to make way for a retail unit have been turned down.

A majority vote among councillors saw the fiercely-opposed application to build a Spar convenience store and hot food takeaway outlet on the site of The Aclet, on Watling Road, refused.

Durham County Council’s planning committee made the decision against the recommendation of approval by planning officer Amy Williamson.

County Cllr Tanya Tucker, who represents Woodhouse Close and objected to the proposal, welcomed the decision.

She said: "I'm pleased for the residents that the application was refused.

"They realise that the site can't stay like this and something has to happen but it should be something they are happy to have on their doorsteps, not something that would cause anxiety and concern to them.

"This development was so big it would impact their day to day lives." Bishop Auckland Town Council also objected, citing residents were already served by shops and takeaways at Proudfoot Drive and Tindale Crescent.

It added the development would have an adverse impact on nearby residents while increasing the likelihood for anti-social behaviour.

A petition of 29 signatures and ten letters of objection were also received by the council.

However, planning officer Ms Williamson found the proposal’s benefits outweighed and potential negative impact.

She said: “In this instance the development would provide a number of benefits, the most significant of which would be reuse of a brownfield site for positive economic use creating the equivalent of 12 full time jobs in a sustainable location.”

And while the Police Architectural Liaison Officer expressed concerns about the proposed use of the site, it identified an “urgent need” for redevelopment due to episodes of fires and break-ins.

Campaigners led a two-year fight against the pub's closure which culminated in a judge ruling the premises could be sold.

The disused building was gutted by a suspected arson attack on Boxing Day, 2017, and has been deemed unsafe.