A new convenience store will be built on a busy city route despite several similar facilities in the local area.

The new retail unit will open on Front Street, Gilesgate, near Durham, after councillors approved its proposal despite objections from neighbours.

Full details of the proposal were only revealed when councillors were tasked with approving the application at a meeting this week, with residents concerned over the lack of clarity at what the store is for. Questions were also raised over the need for the store and traffic flow.

Belmont councillor Christine Fletcher said: “The applicants cannot tell us what this retail would be used for, we don’t know what the purpose is, and that is of great concern to local residents.

“There needs to be more discussion with the applicant and the residents to make sure that any plan does consider the needs of the local community. I can’t see the need for another convenience store adjacent to another store.”

The Northern Echo: How the new store could look How the new store could look (Image: The Northern Echo)

There is an Aldi, Lidl, Iceland, Tesco and a corner shop within half a mile of the proposed store.

But the applicant Steven Karim said the single storey facility would sell fresh food and have an in-house butcher, like a current store he owns in Gateshead. The unit will be built in an ‘L’ shape and will have 10 parking spaces.

Yet several local objectors spoke at the meeting to say how the new store would impact their livelihoods. Alan Appleby has had rear access to his property for 40 years but the new building means it will be removed.

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Residents added that proposed parking and access plans were “a disaster waiting to happen” due to the small size of the car park.

Chris Osborn, a nearby resident, said he would no longer be able to use his off-road parking next to his house due to the building works. “I won’t be able to charge my electric car at home – do I get to claim compensation?” he said.

However, councillors approved the application by four votes to two with eight abstentions.