DEVELOPERS want to kick-start a new shopping complex on a Darlington estate by putting in two takeaways.

But people on the High Grange estate in Faverdale say the food outlets will lead to fumes and rubbish, exacerbate the problem of youths congregating to drink alcohol and create more late-night noise.

Planning permission was granted to Ingleby Barwick Land and Property Developments in September 2001 for convenience stores, two shops, a GP surgery and a two-storey development of 14 apartments.

Jeremy Smith, planning officer, said the developer now wanted to change the use of the two smaller units, saying it would give him the encouragement to occupy one of the bigger units as a local shop.

"I went up to have a look at the complex. There are signs that children have been throwing mud at the windows. and no doubt it will deteriorate even further if they can't get someone to move in."

It could be any kind of food outlet - Indian, Chinese or pizzas, if the change of use was allowed.

Councillors were keen to see some conditions imposed, including a 10pm closure and the clearing up of litter.

But Coun David Lyonette told them: "I do understand your concerns, but it would be incorrect to say we should have different rules to similar developments in other part of town.

"Whether we say yes or no, anti-social behaviour is going to happen. It always does."

The committee agreed to allow the takeaways, with conditions which would provide storage for refuse and measures to control fumes.