A FORMER bridal shop in Darlington is being converted into a coffee shop.

After years of searching for the right location, Geoffrey Longstaff has been granted permission to refurbish a property in Grange Road.

Mr Longstaff, and his wife, applied to use the former bridal shop to sell hot drinks on or off the premises, along with pre-prepared cold food.

Planning councillors were told that the amount of retail use in the area was still above the authority's guidelines.

Objections made to Darlington Borough Council included concerns over the number of eateries in and around Grange Road, disabled access and the area's position as a shopping street.

Planning officer Adrian Miller said granting permission would still leave 81 per cent retail frontage in the area, above the council's guidelines of 70 per cent.