AN application for a new Lebanese restaurant in Bishop Auckland has been submitted to Durham County Council.

A Sayed has applied to change the use of Unit 18 at Abraham Enterprise Park from a Class 1A retail unit to a Class A3 restaurant.

The unit previously housed the butchers store The Fat Butcher store and is situated opposite the McDonald's store.

It is currently vacant and has a total floor area of 102 square metres.

A planning statement submitted by senior planner, Joanne Wood, BH Planning and Design, on Mr Sayed's behalf, said the aim of the plans is to convert the premises into a Lebanese restaurant with the installation of a new ventilation system.

Ms Wood said the proposal would not have a negative impact on issues such as noise, odour or from its opening hours as it was located within a retail park with food outlets such as McDonald's, Domino's and Subway already operating in the same area.