PEOPLE fighting plans to build 57 homes in Barnard Castle are celebrating after councillors went against planning officers' advice and rejected the application.

Developer Wimpey had applied to Teesdale District Council to build 33 flats and 24 houses next to Montalbo Road and Woodside, but a majority of councillors voted against the plans on the grounds that it was not a suitable development for the area.

Dozens of people living close to the site had written to the council objecting to the proposals, many saying they would lose privacy and they had not been sufficiently consulted about the plans.

During a meeting of the development control committee, a spokesman for people living in the area around the site told members that people felt very strongly about the plan.

Ian Graystone, on behalf of residents, said the number of homes planned was too dense for the area and added: "Rather than achieving a site with different styles they are creating an area with housing of the same characteristics which is inappropriate to this part of town."

However, senior planning officer Trevor Watson said the application met all the planning guidelines, with a good mix of housing and the recommended density stated in the local plan.

A spokesman for Wimpey told members that the company had spent a lot of time ensuring the development was suitable for the area and felt the application was acceptable.

However, Councillor John Watson said: "It seems chief planning officers have gone to print with a report with conflicting figures.

"I have no hesitation in recommending refusal and plead with the council to not come in with an application which seems half finished."

A spokesman for Wimpey was unavailable for comment last night.

It is not known whether the company plans to appeal against the decision.