PLANS for a new supermarket in Stockton have been rejected despite the man behind the proposal promising it would bring jobs to the area.

It had been proposed to build a Lidl food store on land at Carter Steel, in Yarm Road, Stockton. The factory would be demolished, and a car park with 103 spaces would be created.

But despite the pledge from company owner David Carter, members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee refused the plan.

No objections had been received, but the proposal went against the authority's agreed policy for the area, and planning officers said the council had recently agreed that retail units should be built in town centres across the borough and not at out-of-town venues.

Mr Carter told the meeting: "This is a good scheme and does not affect any other trading centre. It benefits the area and represents jobs and progress."

He was backed by local ward councillor Stephen Smailes who said: "I feel this area of Stockton would support a small retail unit."

The site would be bordered by a garden centre and fitness centre with car showrooms, petrol filling station and hotel opposite.

Some councillors felt that the location was wrong and would increase traffic on an already busy stretch of road.

Councillor Alison Hawkins said: "Traffic at the moment is really quite enough that we don't need any more."

Councillor Jennie Beaumont said: "It is the wrong description of a convenience store and the access is bad."