FITNESS tycoon Duncan Bannatyne is appealing against planners' rejection of a proposed housing development.

Last September, Darlington Borough Council turned down an application from Bannatyne Fitness to develop land off Haughton Road, in the town, for residential use.

Councillors said the land was earmarked for industrial use and that the outline proposal was contrary to planning policy.

A Government inspector will be asked to review the case - the latest in a series of disputes between Mr Bannatyne and the council.

He previously criticised planners for having a lack of vision after seeing a leisure scheme, including a casino and bingo hall, proposed for the same site, rejected.