A BUTCHER has finally been given permission to sell vegetables and other fresh produce from his premises.

George Bolam was told to stop selling fish, dairy products and vegetables from his unit at the Salters Lane Industrial Estate, Sedgefield, more than two years ago.

Planning officials said he only had permission to sell meat and bread-related products, and that allowing him to sell other goods would harm shops in nearby villages.

Mr Bolam submitted a revised application, which included statistics about where his customers live.

The figures showed that only a small proportion of his custmers are from Sedgefield, contributing just 1.26 per cent of the company's turnover. He said that was unlikely to have an adverse affect on shopping facilities in the village, although fruit and vegetable shops in Sedgefield and Trimdon opposed the application.

Sedgefield councillors supported the application at a development control committee meeting yesterday.

Councillor Bob Fleming said: "I really believe in what Mr Bolam is saying. I'm a Newton Aycliffe councillor, and there are many people who come from my area to travel there and purchase meat, and have done for many years.

"I believe this is a well-established business and the recommendation to approve is right."

Members voted unanimously to approve the application.