PEOPLE living next to a supermarket are angry they did not get to voice their concerns about a car park extension before the plan was approved.

Sedgefield Borough Council granted outline planning permission for Asda Spennymoor to create an overspill car park for staff alongside the store.

But people in Rowan Court say the strip of land acts as a buffer zone between the store and their homes.

They say the extension will create extra noise, car fumes and light pollution and take away their privacy.

The council's planning officers granted outline permission using delegated powers which means that written objections were considered but not discussed by the development control committee.

Robert Ludlow said: "I was told the issue would go before committee. This did not happen and I was deprived of the opportunity to make a point."

Andrew Farnie, principal development control officer, said: "The council did make an administrative error resulting in the decision to approve the plan being reached through the council delegation procedure rather than committee.

"I understand residents' annoyance, but do not feel a different decision would have been made by the committee."

The council said it was now reviewing its procedures.