CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 30 apartments in a village could go ahead if the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott approves the move.

Despite fierce opposition from many residents, councillors and organisations, proposals for further development in Middleton St George, near Darlington, could be on the agenda.

Teesdale Developments has applied for planning permission to put three, two-storey apartment blocks, with parking, on land next to the Fighting Cocks pub in the village.

But locals have criticised plans for more housing, saying it would only add to the strains put on their roads, public services and sewage system.

When the proposals were first put to Darlington Borough Council, in October last year, they included 44 apartments in two, three-storey blocks.

It prompted 18 letters of objection from residents, who raised a host of issues including the impact it would have on house prices in the area.

In addition, the Civic Trust, Campaign to Protect Rural England and both Lower Dinsdale and Middleton St George parish councils were against the proposals.

Councillors said they feared the development was too intensive. A parish council spokesman said: "It is out of character with the surrounding area, it will create an unacceptable level of increased traffic and will overload the existing sewage and drainage facilities."

The plans have since been amended, reducing the number of apartments and the height of the development.

It is proposed that a storage tank be built on site to deal with the extra sewage.

However, both parish councils and a number of residents have again objected to the revised application and reiterated their previous concerns.

Planners are recommending that Darlington's planning committee refers the application to the office of the Deputy PM, advising him that the council is minded to grant planning permission.

If Mr Prescott decides not to intervene, planning permission will be granted, subject to a list of 19 conditions.

These include improving facilities for pedestrians, providing a secure cycle park, ensuring all principal windows in the flats are double glazed and improving street lighting.