A BUSINESSMAN'S dream of selling cars from his shop forecourt has been thrown out by councillors after angry neighbours protested at Stockton Town Hall.

David Ozelton, who runs a car radio repair shop in Norton Road, Stockton, had asked Stockton Borough Council for planning permission to sell cars in front of his store.

Planning officers had recommended the plans be given the go-ahead, but councillors overruled this and refused permission after more than 20 neighbours objected at last Friday's planning meeting.

Protesters, many of whom live in nearby Greylands Avenue, applauded when the plans were thrown out.

Objectors said the sale of cars on the forecourt, which is owned by Mr Ozelton, would exacerbate existing traffic problems, be a danger to playing children and lower the market value of nearby properties.

Councillor Sheila Corr told the planning meeting: "I do not want to stifle enterprise, but when you have a shop it has to be suitable for the goods that are sold.

"To sell cars you need a specialist building, like a showroom, and a big piece of land away from residential properties."

Mr Ozelton, who was not at the meeting, said he was taken aback by the result. He said: "I was surprised by the angry response from so many people.

"I only wanted to sell two or three cars.

"I am going to appeal against this decision - I have the council's planning department behind me."