TRADERS have welcomed a decision by the Secretary of State for the Environment to reject a plan to build a warehouse-style store on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland.

Businesses in the town argued that the building of a bulky goods store in South Church Road could be detrimental to shops already struggling in the town centre.

Their concerns were supported by Wear Valley District Council's development control committee, which turned down outline planning permission for the development at BBH Windings earlier this year.

News that the secretary of state has agreed with the ruling has been greeted with relief by traders, who believe businesses should look at locating in the town centre.

Margaret Ellis, from Bishop Auckland Chamber of Trade, said: "We have got to promote in town shopping. I would like to think that the company that was refused permission would look at places in the town centre, such as North Bondgate and Kingsway. There are also possible units to move into."

Mrs Ellis also welcomed news that a retail warehouse has been granted outline planning permission at nearby Tindale Crossing, on condition that the development would not detract from businesses in Bishop Auckland town centre.

The proposals are for the building of retail warehouses with car parking, and landscaping works to the highway at land adjacent to Jewsons, in Roman Road.

The size of the development meant that the decision to grant approval had to be taken by the secretary of state.

Mrs Ellis said: "If it is for large bulky goods then that is where something like that should go. I just hope that it is not something like food or clothing that can be bought in the town centre.''

David Townsend, of Wear Valley District Council, has welcomed the secretary of state's reports on both developments, saying that it has backed the council's decision.

He said: "The secretary of state has agreed with both of our decisions.

"We did not think the BBH Windings site was an appropriate place for bulky goods retail.

"Our committee did get a look at the plans for Roman Road and would like to have passed them, but that was a decision for the secretary of state."