GREENALLS has been given the go-ahead to sell its three sites on Loushers Lane.

The planning approval, granted by the borough council's development control committee last night, Wednesday, will pave the way for houses, an old peoples home, and warehouses to be built there.

The vodka and gin giant can now sell the land - ravaged by fire in October 2005 - to a private developer to fund its new distillery in Risley.

Stockton Heath Alternative Residents Association had opposed the application on the grounds that local facilities could not cope with more people moving into the area.

But the majority of committee members approved officers' recommendations to grant permission on the basis that any increased strain on the area was outweighed by the benefits of redeveloping the site rather than leave it derelict.

Michael Bibring, a partner in Greenalls owners, Alternative Hotel Group, said they were delighted with the decision having worked closely with the council and public on the plans.