CONTROVERSIAL proposals for a mini-store and food takeaway have been approved despite a last-ditch attempt by protestors to stop the development.

People living in Collingwood Street, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, have failed to convince councillors to reject the plans for a Bell's store and two food outlets.

About 250 residents signed a petition against the proposals saying they feared their quality of life will be ruined by the volume of traffic, litter and noise pollution generated by the business.

There are also concerns that existing businesses in the former mining village will struggle to survive because of the competition from a new store.

But Wear Valley District Council's development control committee approved the plans on Thursday night, after visiting the petrol station which currently occupies the site.

Resident Katherine Hopper spearheaded a campaign to stop Stackridge Properties Ltd building a 279 square metre retail outlet and two takeaway shops, both measuring 140 square metres.

She said: "We are very disappointed. Lots of us are very worried about the impact this size of shop, in particular more takeaways, will have on Coundon.

"Opening hours should be restricted to 8am to 9.30pm, but we are worried an attempt to extend that will be made as other Bell's Stores open much later."

Ward councillor Neil Stonehouse said the committee listened to the views, but opinions were divided.

He said: "The objectors spoke at an earlier committee meeting but the petition was submitted after the consultation period so could not be referred to again.

"I had to declare an interest during the meeting, but the objectors had a full opportunity to have their views heard and we had to follow procedure. There were also many people in favour of the development."