A GARAGE owner has had a decision to refuse his plans to alter his business overturned.

Robert Norman applied to the council to change the use of The Yard on West Road, Pogmoor, from haulage and car storage to a garage and MOT station, car sales, dismantling storage of vehicle parts.

Council officers felt the development would be detrimental to amenities enjoyed by local residents and recommended councillors refuse the plans.

But after listening to Mr Norman at the planning board the vote was split at eight-eight with Coun Denise Wilde being given the casting vote - in favour of the plans.

Mr Norman told the board he would be dealing only with Honda cars, the number of vehicles would be limited on site and that at best he would be taking between two and five cars per week. Usually it would only be two.

He added that cars would be dismantled indoors so as not to create an eyesore for residents.