PLANS to create stable for horses have been approved by councillors.
The north area planning committee of Durham County Council backed the scheme at a meeting on Thursday.
Residents opposed the scheme, fearing two metre high stables on land near The Hermitage in Chester-le-Street will create noise and unpleasant smells in the area.
Tim Wheeler, who spoke against the plan, said: "In our view a stable of this size would harm the visual amenity of the area.
"In this case no evidence has been given to the council to conclude that there is an essential need for a stable.
"A stable will be an unsightly addition to this landscape."
The council received 13 letters of objection and a petition containing 31 signatures.
Michael McCarrick, of McCarrick Construction, who applied for the planning permission said: "For the past ten years we have horses on the land. All we are asking to do is to have the stables and muck accrued in one area."
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