A car parts firm has won a planning battle which will secure 24 jobs at a warehouse.

Brighton and Hove City Council turned down a bid by Car Parts and Accessories to change the use of Vale Works in Portslade from a light industrial building to a warehouse with trade counter.

However, a planning inspector has allowed an appeal and granted permission after hearing the case for the business.

Car Parts and Accessories, which specialises in providing motor parts to the trade, was set up six years ago by Keith Anderson and Nick Best.

It has nine sites and 100 employees.

Simon Bareham from DMH, who conducted the appeal, successfully argued that a modest trade counter did not constitute a separate retail use and did not contradict council planning policies.

He said: "Prior to occupation by Car Parts and Accessories, the site had remained vacant for some time.

"There was no good planning reason why the application should not have been granted."

Managing director Mr Anderson said: "This is a victory for common sense and proves business does stand a chance in the face of bureaucracy. We intend to build on our success and provided much- needed income and jobs for Sussex."

Costs were awarded against the council.

The council was unable to comment because it had not yet received the decision from the Planning Inspectorate.