A COUNCILLOR has sent a letter to the government in a bid to defend her village from “ruthless developers”.

Darlington’s mayoress, Cllr Doris Jones, has requested the decision to build 27 new houses in Middleton St George be called in.

Earlier this month, residents were left angered after Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee ignored recommendations from council planning officers and approved the build of the homes on Middleton Lane.

Almost 30 objections were submitted about the proposed development, half of which is in a conservation area, over concerns the site would erode the identity of Middleton St George.

In her letter, Cllr Jones said: “Government planning guidelines suggest that permission should only be granted for development if it maintains or enhances the appearance of the Conservation Area.

“The Planning Officer’s report clearly, and rightly concludes that this development does not confirm to these requirements – it indeed directly contravenes this requirement – yet Committee seemingly demonstrated a clear lack of understanding of guidelines in approving the application.”

She added: “We assert that, whilst the Planning officer’s report clearly demonstrated an understanding of the issues and policies regarding Conservation Area Development, the Planning Committee failed to demonstrate a similar understanding and this is the basis of our request for call in.”

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Cllr Jones said: “Officers recommended refusal because it is in a conservation area but councillors supported it.

“I am quite incensed and annoyed about the lack of concern for building going on in what little bit of green belt that we have left.

“It is the only path left for us to try and defend the village from ruthless developers building anywhere they can.

“I’m pleading with him to call it in and am also seriously concerned about education possibilities in the village for children - they will have to be bussed to Darlington schools.”

Members of the public reacted angrily to the decision and shouted “disgrace” as they left the meeting at Darlington Town Hall earlier this month.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: “We are aware that a request has been made, by a resident, for this decision to be called in.”