A SHOP owner has appealed against Darlington Borough Council's refusal of planning permission to convert his house in Allan Street into a shop.

Rana Singh, who has a shop in neighbouring Killinghall Street, has appealed to the Secretary of State for the Environment.

The council turned down Mr Singh's application on January 8 because it said the change of use would conflict with the local plan, as it would be "detrimental to the amenities of nearby properties, by reason of noise and general disturbance".

Mr Singh's grounds for appeal are that his present shop is in a cul de sac and Allan Street is a main thoroughfare which would attract more passing trade and serve a new housing development.

He said if permission was granted he would close the shop in Killinghall Street.