A manufacturing company has won approval for expanding its operation, creating more than 25 jobs.

Technimark, which manufactures components for the medical, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, will extend a building on the Gas Lane Industrial Estate, Middleton-in-Teesdale.

It was given the go-ahead by councillors despite letters of objection and concerns it could harm the area.

The firm, which has already expanded into a new warehouse and offices, employs 118 people.

This is expected to rise to 145 in the next few years with the new industrial building extension and "louvre" for an air conditioning system.

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The two plans drew 12 letters of objection raising concerns about noise and other pollution, landscaping, parking, traffic, access and potential property damage.

Durham County Council planning officers recommended approval for the plans, saying the concerns raised were "not considered sufficient to justify refusal in light of the significant benefits".

They said the extension would cause "less than substantial harm" to the Middleton-in-Teesdale conservation area, and the louvre would "not appear unduly prominent".

Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council did not object to the extension but said they wanted the plan to come under "maximum scrutiny".

Clerk Judith Mashister said they listened to residents and their concerns over noise, traffic and loss of parking.

She said: "The officer's report, I believe, has addressed all of the concerns that were raised by local residents and conditions are being attached if consent is granted.

"I'm am aware that the expression 'localised less than substantial harm' might not be received too well by local residents."

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Rod Hepplewhite, agent for the company, said: "In these trying times it is a pleasure to report on an economic good news story.

"Technimark are doing so well that they need additional production floor space.

"Expanding production on the site, along with the production and manufacturing building, will enable Technimark to cement its operations in Middleton-in-Teesdale, for the business to continue to grow and increase employment.

"It represents sustainable development, it will not cause any significant adverse impacts upon the surrounding area in terms of visual amenity, noise, odour or traffic.

"Although the development may have a slight adverse impact on the Middleton-in-Teesdale conservation area, such an impact would amount to less than substantial harm.

"This harm would be outweighed by the public benefits resulting from the development, chiefly securing Technimark's ongoing business at Middleton-in-Teesdale and the increase in employment."

He said the louvre would make no extra noise and its visual impact would be "next to nothing".

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Councillor Jim Atkinson said: "I think this is a good news story. There's jobs concerned. It's clearly not objectionable to the people in the parish.

"There are some concerns which the applicant have an eye on.

"I'm quite happy that the applicant is listening to the parish clerk and small problems that can be ironed out will be ironed out."

The Northern Echo: Cllr Jim Atkinson. Picture: Durham County Council.Cllr Jim Atkinson. Picture: Durham County Council.

Cllr Shirley Quinn said: "It's providing jobs, adding to the economy for the local area."

Cllr Anita Savory, agreed saying: "We have 118 jobs here with a potential increase of 20 to 30 over the next five years. I jave to approve this as well."

The plan was passed with unanimous approval.

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