CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after a controversial scheme to demolish Middlesbrough's North Riding Infirmary was turned down.

Middlesbrough Council's planning committee unanimously rejected Aldi's revised plans to pull down the 140-year-old building and create a retail development.

Following the decision, Councillor Barry Coppinger called on South Tees NHS Trust Board to withdraw from its agreement with the discount food chain.

He believes it would be in the trust's best interest to re-market the building with firms urged to redevelop it in a sympathetic way that retains its character.

"There is commercial interest locally and it is an opportunity for the trust to respond positively to public opinion to keep the building."

Aldi wants to build a supermarket and second retail unit on the site. It says its building would be a clear signal to visitors of investment and that conversion of the building was not viable.

Aldi's North-East property director Simon Plumb would not say if the company was likely to appeal.

Jill Moulton, director of planning with the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We have signed a conditional agreement with Aldi to sell the North Riding Infirmary to them and it is up to them what they do now. Our concern is that it is an empty and deteriorating building."

The trust board next meets on Tuesday, November 2.