VILLAGERS fear their rural calm will be shattered after a haulier won the first round in his bid to run his business near their community.

Yesterday, Alan Coats-worth, 53, who runs A and J Coatsworth Transport, was given the go-ahead by transport authorities to apply to change the use of his premises at High Ravensford farm, in Hamsterley.

Following a public inquiry, Tom McCartney, a North-East traffic commissioner, concluded that while the farm was not ideal for the one-vehicle operation, it was suitable for Mr Coatsworth to move his business to.

However, neighbours were outraged at the decision, saying his work will be noisy and will damage the environment.

Mr Coatsworth, who drives long-distance lorries six days a week and collects trailers from other premises, wants to park his lorry cab outside his home from Friday night until Sunday afternoon.

But Delicia Quinn, 60, of nearby Quarry Cottage, said: "He drives his cab past my house, and when he does the whole house shakes.

"The road is not suitable for his vehicle.

"It's narrow and lots of young mothers push pushchairs along there.

"If they meet, or a car comes the other way, I don't know how they'd manage."

Ronald Maughan, 47, from Ravensford House Hall, said: "I've met him coming the opposite way when I've been in my car, and I had to reverse 600 yards."

The public inquiry, held at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, was shown pictures of grass verges said to have been damaged by Mr Coatsworth's vehicle.

Ray Jones, a traffic examiner, told the inquiry he had "very serious concerns" about Mr Coatsworth's application.

Mr McCartney said: "I've considerable sympathy for people who live in such a nice rural area. It's quiet and peaceful. Just to live in such a beautiful place, you can understand that industry is not particularly welcome."

However, Mr McCartney granted the application after less than ten minutes deliberation.

Mr Coatsworth said afterwards: "I'm very pleased to get the decision. All I'm doing is trying to make a living."

Mr Coatsworth must now apply to Teesdale District Council for permission to use his land for his business.

Last night, a council spokeswoman said no application had been received.