Durham County Council has received a planning application for the change of use of the former S&D Training building on Jubilee Road. The plans submitted show the building being converted into four separate units; a storage unit, two retail outlets and a hot food takeaway.

The potential opening of another takeaway has caused concern for some residents, who feel that the town has a sufficient amount of fast food outlets, however a Council decision to enforce a limit on the number of takeaways in Shildon has not yet been implemented.

Shildon Councillor and former Town Mayor, Peter Quinn commented, “There are enough takeaways in the town, I will fight this tooth and nail.”

A nearby resident has also opposed the application, and in a letter to Durham County Council stated, “How can this warrant yet another fast food outlet when we as a society are supposed to be promoting healthy living and lifestyles and then sanctioning yet another fast/junk food outlet?”

Anyone wishing to make comment on the plans can email dmsouthwest@durham.gov.uk or write to Council Offices at Planning Development, (South West), PO Box 114, Spennymoor, DL16 9BW, by 20th August.