COUNCILLORS have backed proposals to give a car dealership a major facelift.

Durham County Council has granted Bristol Street Motors planning permission to demolish their current showroom and some offices on Carrville High Street, Durham City, and develop a new showroom, refurbish their workshops and reconfigure their parking and sales areas.

Some residents and Belmont Parish Council had objected to the scheme, saying it would increase traffic and parking problems. A petition of 26 names was sent to the county council.

However, the council’s central and east area planning committee gave the project the green light during a meeting held at The Glebe Centre, in Murton, on Tuesday.

The dealership is bounded on two sides by homes, plus Belmont Social Club on a third.

However, the site has been home to the business for more than 40 years, under several different owners, and there are various other businesses based in the area.

Planning officials had recommended the application for approval, saying the proposals would not adversely impact neighbours or increase business use.

In a statement, the company said: “After over 40 years on the site the proposed refurbishment and new build works will provide an enjoyable and safe working environment and a strong economic presence in Carrville and County Durham.”

Meanwhile, an application to erect a canopy and a retrospective application to extend a store at Wheatley Hill service station, Durham Road, Wheatley Hill, was deferred to allow further investigation. It is expected to come back before the committee in coming months.