POLICE have been given permission to continue using a former distribution depot for riot training.

Durham Constabulary began using the VG warehouse in Renny's Lane, Dragonville Industrial Estate, Durham, in October, after losing its Aycliffe Hospital complex to development.

The site is owned by J and G Archibald, who have planning permission to turn it into a builders' merchants and DIY depot. There is also an outline planning application for non-food retail development on the site, which is being considered by Local Government Secretary Stephen Byers.

The company let the force use the building on a temporary basis, while a permanent home for public order training exercises is found.

Durham City Council's development control committee has given the force temporary planning permission to use the depot until April 2003.

Up to 30 officers and ten instructors train there on Mondays to Thursdays.

Although training involving hazards such as fire takes place in the yard, no firearms are used.

City council planning and environmental health officers watched a training session.

Planning officer Allan Simpson said in a report that the training caused little disturbance to neighbouring firms.

"Given the level of use of the site in terms of the number of police officers involved, the limited areas used and the hours of training, it is clear that the activity involved is considerably less than would have been experienced when the site was used as a food warehouse and distribution depot," said mr Simpson.

"Much of the training occurs within the buildings on the site and no noise break-out from this occurs.

"The use of fire is limited to part of the yard area separated from the adjoining commercial premises by a small warehouse building."

He said strict safety procedures meant there was no risk to people outside the site.