VILLAGERS' objections to plans for eight new homes in Middleton St George have been forwarded to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

The parish council is worried about Darlington Borough Council's decision to grant planning permission for four detached houses and four three-storey homes in the grounds of 19th Century Thorntree House.

Parish council chairman Doris Jones said a letter had been sent to Mr Prescott's office, stating that not enough consideration had been given to the plan.

Ms Jones said: "The letter has been sent to make sure that the parish plan is given more consideration in the future because it was just treated with contempt for this application."