PLANS to build 450 homes and a 60-bed retirement complex in Sedgefield have been well received by residents, according to the developer.

UK investment business ESRG unveiled its vision for 450 homes and community facilities on two sites off Beacon Lane and Salters Lane to the public earlier this month.

More than 170 people attended a two-day consultation event and 62 per cent made positive comments about the proposal, although concerns were raised about the lack of bungalows and the pressure it would place on schools and amenities.

However, Sedgefield Neighbourhood Plan Committee disputes claims the scheme is widely supported by residents.

The group recently conducted its own survey in which 90 per cent of the 665 respondents stated they wanted no more than 300 homes.

Meanwhile, a site preference survey saw 50 per cent of 350 respondents identify Beacon Lane as their least favourite development.

David Bowles, committee chairman, said: “The positive figures that they have quoted do not reflect the community views expressed through our two much larger surveys.”

David Evans, director of the ESRG Group, said the company would amend its plans, including introducing high quality bungalows, before submitting an application at the end of the month.

Residents can still submit views about the development, designed with support from Gradon Architecture and Haylock Planning and Design, at advantagesedgefield.co.uk