THE day Rothmans ceased cigarette production in Darlington, Argos was given the green light to create an expected 700 jobs.

Residents and councillors expressed concerns about noise and extra traffic which would be generated by the huge distribution centre on the Faverdale East business park.

But on Wednesday, Darlington planning committee unanimously agreed to give Argos outline planning permission.

Council leader John Williams said: "I think it is very appropriate we are considering this application on the day on which manufacturing production finishes at Rothmans, with the loss of 700-800 jobs.

"Here we are considering an application that is going to fill the gap, which makes this an economic imperative."

Ward Coun Barrie Armstrong said: "New jobs are vitally important, but we also need to protect the living standards of established residents."

The predicted increase in traffic would average one extra vehicle every 39 seconds if spread over the whole day. But half of them would be condensed into three periods when the shift changes occurred - intensified by being on a stretch of single-carriage road about three-quarters-of a mile long.

The northern boundary of High Grange estate was already used by Aldi lorries and others on the industrial estate.

"It is also used by every resident of High Grange who wants to get to or from their house by car or bus. There is no alternative route."

Although officers said the additional traffic would not contribute significantly to the peak morning and evening rush, there would be 200 vehicles in and out at 6am, 2pm and 10pm.

The business estate had been in the Darlington plan since the Seventies, but the road system to support them had not been completed over almost 30 years.

"In the Faverdale area we have barely one mile of cross town route and then a dead end," he said.

"Whether the ideal solution would be the completion of the cross town route, a new road from the nearest A1M roundabout or some other scheme, is difficult to say. But with phase one still to come on stream and the prospect of Argos incorporating a contact centre with more employees sometime in the future, we have a less than adequate road system."

Coun Norman Welch, Archdeacon Newton Parish Council chairman, made a plea for a weight restriction to be placed on the road from Burtree Gate along Burtree Lane to the White Horse. But he was told the Argos travel plan said lorries would go straight to the A1.

Adrian Miller, planning officer, said all the residents of High Grange had had the opportunity to comment; four letters of objection had been received.

Chairman, Coun Frank Robson added: "On a day when one of the biggest employers in town is closing, it appears an opportunity like this to provide jobs for people losing their jobs cannot be missed."

The outline scheme was approved with conditions which included a contribution by Argos to improve bus services, a footway and cycleway; a landscaped mound and acoustic fencing , sound insulation and restrictions on floodlighting.

Last days at Rothmans: page 7