Brampton parish council has voted to support Lowther Used Furniture’s bid to remain open on Crawhall.

The vote was taken at a special meeting of the parish council last week following a long dispute over the city council’s refusal to allow the company to operate as a retail outlet.

Doug Bowman, owner of Lowther Used Furniture, said: “We were pleased with the outcome at the parish meeting.

“Hopefully it will stand us in good stead with the planning inspectorate in Bristol.

“Now the parish are backing us for a retail unit, we feel a lot happier.”

Throughout the appeal process, it has drawn both complaints and support from businesses and locals.

“There has been so many lies and conjecture said about our business, we need someone to see common sense,” Mr Bowman added.

“We really enjoy being in Brampton with our business.”

Winged Heart, which stands alongside the business, has been vocal in it’s complaints over parking outside Lowther Used Furniture and has opposed the changes.

Fifteen businesses called on the council to support the appeal.

The appeal will be ruled on by the office of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The Government officially closed the submission of letters for consideration on Monday.

They will be visited by a planning official during the process.

Mr Bowman anticipates that he will hear a decision on the appeal next month.