THE rebuilding of a derelict Grade-II listed hall and outbuildings to create 12 new homes in Egglescliffe Village has been described as a "Trojan horse" by objectors.

Theakston Land has applied for permission to redevelop the Old Hall and some farm buildings at Manor House Farm, near Back Lane and Butts Lane in Egglescliffe, to create 12 homes.

The move would see the hall rebuilt and restored to its former glory as a house. It is believed to the the oldest non-religious building in the Stockton area and is said to date from 1608.

A previous application to restore the Old Hall and create seven homes, by Johnny Smith of Manor House Farm, was approved by Stockton Council in August, despite 29 objections from villagers.

Planning officers stressed that the new plan was not for 12 extra homes on top of the seven already approved as the applications relate mostly to the same sites. The Hall has not been occupied since the 1960s and is owned by more than one person.

But the proposals have met with 70 objections from nearby residents, with their main concerns about overdevelopment, traffic, safety and conservation issues.

One objector said: "I believe, from my examination of the plans, that the current application is part of a "Trojan horse" to gain new access to the north side riverbank of the Tees through Manor House Farm.

"I firmly believe that the Yarm School playing fields concept on the North bank of the River Tees is still part of a longer-term plan and that there is still the intention to build houses on the current playing fields at the top end of Yarm."

Historic Egglescliffe is in a conservation area, which means it is more difficult for new developments to be approved.

Another objector, Brian Atkinson, said: "It will significantly alter the character of the village for ever.

"There is no justification for these houses.

"Egglescliffe is a unique, historic village and should remain as such. The village is in a conservation area for good reason. "If these plans are approved it will set a precedent for (unwanted) further development.

"Also the scheme would create additional traffic in a village where the narrow roads and lack of footpaths are unsuitable for such traffic."

Tees Archaeology has said while the Old Hall had the appearance of an 18th century gentrified home there were some indications it has medieval origins and said it wanted to investigate the area for medieval activity further before any demolition work began.

The application will be considered at a meeting of Stockton Council's planning committee on Wednesday (Nov 25).