PLANS for the expansion of an out-of-town shopping park will not be called in by the Secretary of State.

Durham County Council’s planning committee last month voted in favour of an extra four units at the Bishop Auckland Shopping Park, in St Helen Auckland.

As councillors went against planning officers recommendations, they were told it would have to be referred to the Secretary of State.

However, Durham County Council was informed earlier this week the application will not be called in so the final go-ahead is expected to be completed within days.

Phase one of the project, which was approved last year and welcomed its first shoppers last month, was also referred but was not called in.

Councillor Rob Yorke said: "I am delighted to hear the news that the Secretary of State will not be calling in this planning application.

“It is now for Durham County Council to make the final decision and seeing that all 14 members of the planning committee voted unanimously in favour of it the planning officers will take this into account.

“Any application that has cross party unanimous support demonstrates why our committee system works.”