CHEERS erupted yesterday as councillors unanimously rejected plans for a Tesco mini-market in Darlington.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee voted against the recommendation of officers and refused planning permission for the mini-market in Harrowgate Hill.

Last night, residents said they were delighted.

More than 500 people wrote to the council objecting to the Tesco plan and two petitions were submitted with nearly 900 signatures.

The council also received ten letters of support for the plan.

Dozens of residents crowded into the council committee room to hear the application discussed.

A similar proposal at the former Shell garage, in North Road, was rejected last September.

Steve Petch, Darlington's planning services manager, said the original issues that caused its failure had been addressed in this latest application.

Councillor Charles Johnson's motion to reject it was supported by Councillor David Lyonette.

He had concerns about the need for the store, the effect it would have on businesses and also the amount of parking.

Coun Lyonette added: "If this goes ahead, it should be called in by the minister because it contradicts the local plan so much."

Local ward councillor Gillian Cartwright also spoke against the plan.

She said: "There's been an unprecedented level of objection.

"If planning permission is given for this, it will be run by a company that is well-known for competing aggressively with local traders."

The committee's rejection of the plan mirrored the full council's refusal of an application for a Tesco hypermarket in the town centre last year.

Rosemary Cox, the chairwoman of the Harrowgate Hill Residents' Association: "This is another great success for Darlington in refusing Tesco. As a residents' association, this is the first major issue that we've dealt with and we're delighted that this council has finally listened."

A Tesco spokesman said: "We are extremely disappointed by this decision and equally very surprised that the members did not listen to the professional advice of their planning officer, who recommended that this application should be approved.

"Many local people will be unhappy with this decision."