Plans for a County Durham takeaway have been formally approved by the council.

Mr Omar Din, of Cornforth Fish Bar, has been granted a certificate of lawful development for the ground floor shop at 10 High Street, West Cornforth, allowing it to operate as a hot food takeaway.

The premises, which have been serving various cuisines including pizza for over a decade, will now focus on fish and chips along with other offerings.

The application, submitted in September, detailed the existing setup of the shop, including a ducting and canopy system, and outlined the intended use of the property.

Evidence, including historical planning applications and photographs, was assessed, showing the property has been continuously used as a takeaway since at least 1983.

Google Street View images from 2009 to 2024 further supported the case, displaying takeaway signage.

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No opposing representations were received following site publicity.

A report concluded: "The evidence sufficiently demonstrates that the property has operated as a hot food takeaway for a continuous period exceeding 10 years."

Durham County Council's decision, made on November 19, certifies the property's use as a hot food takeaway under Section 191 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

This confirmation allows the takeaway to continue its operations within the defined terms, securing its place on the high street.

The certificate applies exclusively to the specified use and site described in the application.

The decision acknowledges the takeaway's long-standing presence in the community, marking another chapter in its history of serving West Cornforth residents.