A LEADING councillor has taken the unusual step of backing a controversial plan that is not in his ward, despite it being recommended for rejection for a second time.

Darlington Borough Council officers said while Jagir Singh had made a series of changes to his scheme for a convenience store on Greenbank Road, Darlington, to deter youths from congregating, the outlet would still prove a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

Since the plan was rejected by planners in May, to address the concerns for residents in neighbouring properties, Mr Singh said the low wall on Greenbank Road would be demolished to stop people sitting outside the shop and four external CCTV cameras would be installed.

The spokesman said: “The store if approved would be the second business owned and managed by the applicant, with the first a successful similar store located near the local school. This store sees a large footfall from students at the school and has been successfully run without antisocial issues arising.”

Among supporters for the scheme, the authority’s leisure boss and Haughton and Springfield ward member Councillor Nick Wallis said Mr Singh’s other shop in Salters Lane South had never attracted a complaint and he could “see no reason why the plans should not be approved”.

However, the revised plans have also attracted numerous objections, with some residents claiming the area is already well served by convenience stores in Hollyhurst Road, Surtrees Street, Barningham Street, Station Road, Gladstone Street, North Road and Salisbury Terrace.

Other objectors said the area had recently been a focus for antisocial behaviour by gangs of youths who congregate in the nearby Dene drinking alcohol, fighting and walking up to the streets and trying to kick doors down, resulting in numerous calls to the police.

Ahead of the revised plan being considered by the authority’s planning committee, planning officers said the proposed shop had the potential to become a focal point for antisocial behaviour. Officers said “police could foresee youths migrating from the park to the shop looking for opportunities to shoplift, to congregate outside the shop creating nuisance” for residents.