COUNCILLORS have again refused a planning application to turn a former caf in Cockerton Green, Darlington into an amusement arcade.
The revised application by Count Cash, of Middlesbrough, was refused by the borough council's planning committee, despite officers recommending approval.
About 50 protestors turned up for the planning meeting, which had to be moved to the town hall council chamber to accommodate them.
Father Richard Wallace, of St Mary's Church, in Cockerton, helped organise a petition against the plans.
He said: "Surely the fact that a total of more than 1,000 people have signed a petition against it shows that people do feel it will affect the area."
An appeal against the original refusal in October has been lodged with the Secretary of State and Alan Fulton, of Count Cash, said a second appeal would be made if the application was turned down again.
After the meeting, Fr Wallace said: "I'm delighted for the residents of Cockerton.
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