THE "major problem" of parking on a north Durham high street would be made worse by a proposed office and residential development, a councillor has claimed.

Coun Ken Holroyd, a Liberal Democrat county councillor for Belmont, was speaking against JA Properties’ plans for a two-storey building including two ground-floor shops and two first-floor flats on land next to 81 High Street, Carrville, Durham.

Durham County Council’s Central and East Durham planning committee debated the scheme on Tuesday.

Coun Holroyd said: "Parking is a major problem on Carrville High Street. There’s no provision in these plans for any parking for customers whatsoever."

Coun Pauline Charlton said: "I’ve driven down this road and it’s horrendous. I don’t see how this wouldn’t add to this."

Coun Eric Mavin had also objected to the scheme.

However, John White, an architect for JA Properties, said the site had excellent public transport and the plans included four parking spaces.

"We believe the development as proposed should be permitted as it will provide an attractive addition to the streetscene and provide affordable accommodation at first-floor level," he said.

Coun Holroyd also raised questions over the council’s consultation, saying of 67 letters sent out, 21 went to invalid addresses.

One was sent to the Grange Inn pub despite it having closed four years ago and since been demolished, he said.

Planning officer Allan Simpson said the consultation was bigger than would be expected and addresses were taken from a Post Office database.

Councillors approved the application.