PLANS for a market garden have been refused amid accusations that they were a smoke screen for a wrought iron business.

Stockton councillors unanimously voted against the plans for the fruit and vegetable business at Holmfield, in Yarm Back Lane, Stockton.

The owner of the land, Peter Hughes, was previously refused retrospective permission for a large barn on the site, measuring 14 meters by seven meters.

He wanted to use it for his wrought iron business, Betjamin's.

Mr Hughes appealed against the decision but lost - and was ordered to remove the building within nine months of the original planning decision.

However, yesterday, Stockton Borough Council heard that the barn had not been taken down.

Councillors were told Mr Hughes had submitted an application to run a market garden business from it instead.

Planning officers had recommended that the application was approved with conditions, including cladding the barn.

Michael Carr spoke on behalf of resident Mohammed Khan at the meeting.

He said: "There was an enforcement notice in place to stop him doing the wrought iron business, but neighbours believe he will continue to do that if given permission for the farm.

"How does cladding the building make it more suitable when it's the scale and size of the building that's inappropriate.

"This man is a wrought iron specialist. He is advertising it today and he will be doing it tomorrow.

"There is no intention to have a market business there."

Councillor Steve Walmsley said: "If we apply conditions, they should adhere to them and, if they don't, they should be taken to task. He is trying to change the business, so he can keep the shed.

"And re-cladding the shed is nonsense."

Councillor Bob Gibson said the two issues should be treated separately.

"First, we have to see the shed come down," he said.

"Then we will look at the second application for the market garden."

Councillor Jim Beall said the application was a smoke screen.

He said: "Common sense tells us this is a front for him wanting to continue his business."

Mr Hughes was not available for comment last night.