A PLAN to build a shelter for village teenagers faced strong opposition this week - and the parish council chairman was asked if he had considered resigning.

The shelter was to be sited at the corner of Gas Lane, in Middleton in Teesdale, and was recommended for approval by the district planning sub-committee.

But at Tuesday's meeting, Edward Gleave, who submitted a 41-signature petition on behalf of residents, accused councillors of taking the decision behind closed doors. He asked if they admitted a grave error of judgement, as the application had now been withdrawn in the light of the objections. And he asked whether Coun John Miller had considered resignation.

However, Coun Miller said he would not resign and members had not erred. "When we receive notice of planning applications they are considered by the full council if the time-scale allows. If a quick response is necessary, then the sub-committee has delegated powers.

"We looked at it from the point of view of Middleton as a whole, taking the views of everyone into account, and it was on that decision that we passed these plans. Your comments were passed to the district, with the reasons for the objections."

WPC Alison Race, who has obtained funding for the shelter, told Mr Gleave that the application had been withdrawn for modifications to the drawings and not as a result of objections.

"We need to be in a position to move if we get permissions from the highways and education authorities," she added, promising an open meeting for residents to air their concerns.

WPC Race said she had her eye on other possible sites, with an alternative type of shelter, but this would bring separate problems of durability and heating.

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