PLANS to convert a former social club into a building supplies store have been given the green light.

In August, Durham County Council received a planning application for the Stanley Central Club and Institute off Clifford Road, in Stanley.

This included external alterations and changing the building use from a social club to ‘storage or distribution.’

According to planning documents, the end-user is identified as major retailer Toolstation which supplies tools, accessories and building supplies to the trade, home-improvers and self-builders.

A planning application also states the development is expected to create eight full-time jobs.

Following consultation, Durham County Council’s planning authority approved the application this week.

A decision report reads: “Positive material weight is given in the planning assessment to the unquantified economic benefits the development process will bring to contractors, along with the economic activity of the use itself and the employment it will bring. 

“The reuse of the currently vacant building, ensuring it’s future maintenance and security is also a positive benefit in the assessment.”

As part of the plans, the main entrance of the building will be moved with access taken directly from the car park.

The use of the building and any external servicing and deliveries would also be subject to time restrictions.

This includes 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and 7am to 5pm on Sundays.

Under planning conditions, lighting connected to the building can only be operated during these hours and must be directed away from nearby dwellings.