A planning application to change the use of a retail unit at a County Durham outlet centre has been withdrawn before a decision could be made by the council.

The application involved Unit 86 at Dalton Park Outlet and Outdoors, Murton, currently occupied by Subway.

Dalton Park Outlet Ltd's application sought to broaden the use of the unit to allow unrestricted retail sales. The application was submitted on August 21, but was withdrawn on Wednesday, November 13.

With floor space of 67 square metres, the unit is strategically positioned at the main pedestrian entrance of the park.

Dalton Park, located southeast of Murton near the A19, is a mixed-use retail and leisure development.

The planning history of Unit 86 is notable, with outline permission for mixed-use development granted in January 2000.

Further approval was given in November 2001 for factory outlet shopping and associated facilities, with a Section 73 application granted in November 2002 to extend the submission time for reserved matters while maintaining the scope of retail and leisure use.

The application was submitted through the Planning Portal by Nicola Sewell of WSP, Leeds office, who was acting as the agent for Patron Dalton Park Outlet Ltd.

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Supporting documents for the application included a cover letter, a site location plan, existing and proposed block and floor plans, as well as historical decision notices.

The reason for the application was to establish the lawfulness of Unit 86's use for any purpose within Class E, which includes unrestricted retail sales.

Applications were based on the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), which emphasises the need for clarity and evidence for applications under Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The application was withdrawn before the local planning authority could make a decision and a decision date had not been set before the withdrawal happened.