RESIDENTS have expressed their disappointment after losing a year-long fight to stop a supermarket building a petrol station near a school.

Asda, in Whinbush Way, Darlington, has been granted permission to build a four-pump petrol station on the other side of its car park, where it will be adjacent to The Firs, and close to car park exits nearest to traffic lights in Whinbush Way.

The decision was made by Government planning inspector Malcolm Rivett and overturns Darlington Borough Council planning committee's refusal to allow the development.

Residents objected to the initial application because they were concerned moving the pumps would cause traffic hazards, congestion and pollution, as well as being built too close to Whinfield Primary School.

Hundreds of names were collected on a petition to try and stop the development and residents even appealed directly to the supermarket.

In his report, Mr Rivett says the plans would not affect pedestrian safety or increase traffic.

He said: "It is my view that, even at peak times, the proposal would be unlikely to result in significant congestion or delays for vehicles leaving the site.

"Visibility for pedestrians on Whinbush Way crossing the access point is good and they would continue to be served by a refuge in the middle of the access."

Asda will have to abide by a number of conditions, including restricting opening hours to between 7am and 11pm Mondays to Saturdays and 9am to 5pm on Sundays.

The Firs resident Bev Hutchinson, 44, said householders would make sure the supermarket stuck to all of the conditions.

She said: "We still haven't given up, but we will have to work within the law."