A COUNCILLOR who risked disqualification after speaking out on behalf of residents at a planning meeting has been stopped from putting his views forward in writing.

Chairman of Dene Valley Parish Council Chris Foote Wood is unable to attend the next meeting of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee and has requested that his objections to a development in Close House be read out to his fellow councillors.

But the council said it is unable to read the letter at the meeting tonight because its legal advisors claim he has a prejudicial interest.

The row began when plans to convert The Royal Hotel, Close House, near Bishop Auckland, into nine self-contained apartments, were discussed.

Residents have strongly objected to the plans, saying that parking at the hotel was hazardous and it would also infringe on the privacy of neighbours.

Coun Foote Wood, who is also a district councillor, stood up at the meeting and urged councillors to refuse the project despite being told that he should not.

The plans were deferred and are now up for discussion at tonight's meeting, where council officers have recommended they be giving the go-ahead.

Coun Foote Wood said he is standing by what he has said and has written to the council.

He said: "It is disgraceful that I am not even allowed to write a letter.

"A local resident can not only put in a letter of objection but can also appear at the meeting to speak.

"All this means is that a member of the public has more rights than me on this issue and I think it is ridiculous.

"I have been a councillor for 37 years.

"This goes against democracy and I have got to stand up for democracy regardless of the consequences."

David Townsend, head of development control at the council, said that the council's advisors feel that Coun Foote Wood had a prejudicial interest in the proceedings.

He said that Coun Foote Wood had not made it clear at parish council level that he would be considering the plans at district level and did not make it clear at the last meeting that he was considering the plans afresh by reiterating the parish council's objections.

Tonight's meeting starts at 6pm, in the council chamber, Civic Centre, Crook.