A ROOFING and cladding company which employs more than 200 people has been granted permission to expand its County Durham depot.

Despite concerns about an increase in noise levels caused by HGV traffic, CA Group’s application to replace its factory in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, was approved yesterday.

Approval from Durham County Council’s planning committee will allow the business to build a new production warehouse, offices and introduce a new access point off Copeland Lane.

One resident spoke of his concerns about noise nuisance at the meeting at County Hall, Durham City.

However, councillors unanimously gave the proposal the green light following reassurance from senior planning officer Tim Burnham.

He told planners no complaints had been made to Environmental Health about the issue and stated that the new service yard would be further away from residential properties.

Cllr Paul Taylor said: “It’s certainly a high quality development and I think it will improve the the matters currently there at the moment.”

One of Teesdale’s biggest employers, CA Group has seen demand for its metal roofing and cladding systems soar in recent years.

The 17,485m² facilities promise to provide better and more efficient working practises, securing the future of the 35-year-old firm.