THE GARAGE at the centre of a lengthy parking wrangle with its neighbours has again been refused planning permission.

Car dealer Stoneacre wants to convert the bodyshop at its site in Sawmills Lane, Brandon, into a showroom.

However, Durham County Council's central and east area planning committee went against the approval recommendation of its officers and turned down the application.

The garage has been at the centre of controversy because of its use of on-street parking for its vehicles, which residents say reduces safety on the road.

Last year the council refused the firm's application for a scheme to provide off-street parking on its side because of councillors' feared it would not solve the problem, but the decision was overturned at appeal.

The latest application aimed to provide seperate showrooms for its Kia and Suzuki franchises, defined parking spaces and access for a car transporter. Principal planning oficer Alan Dobie said the garage had been establhed for many years and the latest proposal was acceptable.

The committee heard that the firm was planning to move its repair work to Middlesbrough, which would reduce the demand for parkling.

A company representative said it was hoping to help residents through its proposals and would improve the look of the bodyshop building.

But councillors, who held a site visit, claimed the business had "outgrown'' the site and should relocate to an indistrial estate.

They raised concern that the scheme would generate extra business that could wipe out any easing of the parking issue if the bodyshop relocated.

Local councillor John Turnbull said: "It is not right that residents have to put up with this in their area. The firm has outgrown the site.

"It would have been nice if it could have moved into other premises." 

Councillor Alan Bell, of Great Lumley, said: "I really feel for the residents."

He said the business was "at bursting point" and had become a victim of its own success.

He added that over intensification of the suite's use could add to the traffic problems that residents were complaining of.

The application was refused after a unanimous vote by committee members.