COUNCILLORS have deferred a decision on plans to build a supermarket and diner in Stockton.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee met yesterday to discuss the outline application for land presently occupied by the Ahed distribution warehouse, in Maritime Road and Bath Lane, Stockton.

The council received a proposal to build a 12,500 sq ft store, with the possibility it would be a discount-type shop, such as Netto or Aldi.

To build the store, the existing warehouse on the site would have to be demolished and the company relocated elsewhere.

The company employs 40 people and the council has received confirmation it will re-locate rather than shut down if permission is eventually granted for the development.

However, after addressing concerns from local residents and ward councillors about an increase in traffic, members of the committee decided to defer the decision until a later date.