A PETITION to stop dozens of homes being built in Barnard Castle has been submitted to Durham County Council.

The petition has 328 signatures from residents opposing the plans for 62 new homes, with many also writing letters of objection to the council.

The applicant, David Wilson Homes, is seeking planning permission for a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties, on land north of Barnard Castle School and The Bowes Museum.

Barnard Castle Town Council has also objected to the plans, raising concerns around the lack of affordable housing included in the plans.

Nine of the 62 new proposed houses fall into the affordable housing bracket.

The town council also believes there is a lack of homes that meet the needs of the elderly and disabled and insufficient consideration being given to water management to avoid future flooding.

Locals fear the development would de-value existing homes and have raised concerns about the number of school and GP places available for more residents.

David Wilson Homes said: “We would conclude that the development proposals accord with the aspirations of the emerging development plan in ensuring the delivery of an allocated site.

“It is not considered that any minor adverse impacts of developing the site could demonstrably outweigh the benefits which include 45 direct construction jobs and £90,272 per annum in Council Tax receipts.”

Durham County Council's Planning Committee will meet on Thursday, September 18, to make a decision.