ALDI will extend its distribution centre in Darlington, despite fierce objection from residents and concerns from some councillors.

The supermarket giant has been granted planning permission to extend its Darlington site, in Faverdale, by creating a 7,833sq metre chiller and freezer extension, additional wagon docking bays and increased office space.

Without the extension, the company claim they may not be able to continue their operations from the site as they expand to meet rising shopper demand.

They say the site would allow them to achieve its goal of opening more than 100 new stores across the region and would provide jobs and an economic boost for the town.

However, residents from the surrounding area have battled tirelessly to prevent the development going ahead, claiming it will be oppressive, unsightly and bring noise issues and damage to the environment.

Representing those residents, Colin Young, Robert Watson and Peter Kemp told a meeting of Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee that not enough had been done to consider the impact of the site on those living close to it.

They claimed noise tests had been inadequate, that there had been no official evidence provided relating to loss of light and that the extension would bring further disturbance and cause damage to the landscape, with several trees in the area already being uprooted in anticipation of planning permission.

Despite the concerns, members of Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the development.

Cllr Ian Galletley opposed the “oppressive” development and claimed it did not need to be so close to houses.

He said: “This has not been architecturally designed, it has been system designed for the needs of a business when it could have been designed with the interests of local people in mind.”