A CAR sales room will open next to a filling station in Newton Aycliffe.

Businessman Gary Allen will convert a disused car maintenance workshop at the rear of Bluebell Petrol Station, Greenwell Road, into a sales room.

On Friday, Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee approved the application, with conditions, for change of use of the building, which has been empty for a year.

It will be used for overnight storage of vehicles and a viewing area, for about 20 cars, will also be created.

Neighbours objected, fearing an increase traffic and said the plan was not in keeping with the residential area.