A COMMUNITY has lost its fight to block plans to replace a disused and fire damaged pub with a convenience store and takeaway.

A Government planning inspector this week ruled that The Aclet, on Watling Road, Bishop Auckland, can be demolished and a Spar and takeaway built on the site.

In April, campaigners celebrated after convincing a Durham County Council planning committee to turn down the plan.

The decision went against the recommendation of a planning officer who felt the benefits– including reuse of a rundown brownfield site and job creation– outweighed and potential negative impact.

But an appeal by the applicant, Sanjeev Vadhera Northeast Convenience Stores, was allowed on Tuesday and consent given.

The Inspector was told, by written submission, that a key concerns for objectors was the impact on neighbours including smells, noise and antisocial behaviour and litter. The appellant agreed to measures– some suggested by police– to prevent these issues such as limited operating hours, CCTV and bollards to protect an ATM.

The inspector granted planning permission with a series of conditions to mitigate against objectors' concerns.

County Cllr Tanya Tucker, who represents Woodhouse Close, said: "There were lots of protests and submissions against the appeal so the result was disappointing. We don't need another supermarket and certainly not another takeaway, residents are absolutely outraged. It feels very unfair."