A TAKEAWAY boss has overcome objections to reverse a ban on him serving people who call at his premises.

Rahim Foroughi, who operates the Mediterranean Kitchen in Sherburn Village, persuaded Durham City Council's licensing committee to lift the condition restricting the business to taking telephone orders and delivering to customers' homes.

Councillors heard that Dr Foroughi was cautioned in October for breaching the condition after officials saw people calling at the former Meals on Wheels building and being served with food.

He told the committee he needed to increase custom and that he provides employment to local people and a service to villagers too busy to cook.

City councillor and council deputy leader Carol Woods said several residents were concerned about the application.

She said there were problems with noise, litter, anti-social behaviour and a drain sometimes blocked with fat.

"I would ask that you refuse this application," she said. "The city council sold these premises and there is a covenant on them that they can only be used for the preparation of food, not takeaways.

"The city council put it there for a good reason, because it is next to a line of OAP bungalows."

Sherburn parish councillor Stuart Walton said: "I don't think you should extend the licence because the conditions wouldn't be adhered to. They aren't adhered to at the moment."

Committee chairwoman Maureen Wood said the committee unanimously agreed to grant the licence to midnight on condition that the drains are cleaned four times a year and the area is kept tidy.

Afterwards Councillor Woods said of the committee's decision: "It is very, very disappointing. A large number of people in Sherburn asked us to make representations about a business that we have had a tremendous number of complaints about.

"It is disappointing that the licensing committee didn't listen to what we said.

"We will be looking into the terms of the covenant to see if we can stop him selling takeaways between 11pm and midnight, which is causing a disturbance to the residents."

Dr Foroughi said he was delighted at the outcome and pledged to do his best to tackle any problems.

He urged anyone with a complaint to see him or his manager at the building. "I will listen and try to sort it out," he said.