A CONTENTIOUS planning application has been deferred for a third time – for reasons its objectors had previously highlighted to the applicant.

Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee was due to decide on Wednesday whether to grant permission for Carmel College to install a new astro-turf pitch and associated floodlighting.

The application was first made in July last year, attracting a host of objections from nearby residents, and the matter has now been deferred for the third time because of “inaccuracies” in the submission.

One problem was the designs showing the playing field in the wrong position – a mistake highlighted to the applicant by residents back in November.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting at Darlington Town Hall, planning committee chair Cllr Paul Baldwin apologised for the latest delay but said that the council could not make a decision based on inaccurate information.

Addressing the attendant public directly, he said: “We have been left high and dry, I feel, by the applicant and not for the first time.”

The original application received more than 120 objections, mostly concerning increased noise, light and traffic pollution generated by the facility which the college wants to be allowed to open until 9pm on weekdays and between 9am and 4pm at weekends.

Speaking after the meeting, Mike Campbell of Whitemeadows, which backs onto the college’s playing field, said that residents had formed an “ad-hoc” group to oppose the plans and were left frustrated by the whole process.

He said that they had spent many hours submitting “high quality” objections which seemed to have been brushed aside by the applicant, but in the end were proved to be correct.

Mike Shorten, head of Carmel College, said that the school was eager to provide an all-weather pitch to help children meet their PE (physical education) potential.

He pointed out that the pitch would enable pupils to play outdoor sport all year round, something he said the schools is “desperate" for.

Addressing the application’s deferral, Mr Shorten said: “A planning decision was delayed on Wednesday because we are keen to ensure we have addressed all of the technical comments made.

“We have taken expert advice because we want our plans to address any potential issues caused from light and sound from the pitch.

“It will be a great facility for the children at Carmel College and local hockey clubs.”

There is no date set for the resubmission of the plans.