'Take care over stonework' parish council urges Co-op

SUPERMARKET officials are being urged to take care if planning permission for new signs is granted.
The Co-op, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, has submitted proposals for a new illuminated sign outside the shop.
The village’s parish council was told the existing shop fascia hid ornate stonework. Cllr Ted Henderson said: “They should take extra care. All the old fancy stonework is behind it.” Cllr Christine Gilbert added: “It would be quite nice if they could expose the old stonework. I doubt if they even know about the stonework.”
Members were told they could not submit their views on the plans because none of the documents were available to view on Durham County Council’s planning portal.
However, Cllr Wendy Greenfield suggested writing to the Co-op highlighting the stonework in the meantime.
Members agreed to contact the county council asking that the deadline for responses to the plan be put back as a result of the problems affecting the planning portal.