RESIDENTS have emerged victorious after developers withdrew a planning application to build executive homes.

Stockton Borough Council has been inundated with objections from councillors and residents, with 101 submitted against the development of Bettys Close Farm, Ingleby Barwick.

The proposals were due to be heard tomorrow at a planning committee meeting, but businessman Dave Weatherall withdrew his plans by letter yesterday. He said he wished to withdraw the application for 19 self-build plots following issues raised in a report to the committee.

Planning officer Simon Grundy said he would be recommending the plans for refusal.

Reacting to the news, the newly formed Round Hill Action Group (RHAG) said it had been a well fought battle.

Homeowners in Newgale Close, Nevern Crescent, Cadley Gardens and Newport Close, were among many residents who voiced their concerns at a packed public meeting last month.

They were backed by ward councillors from the Ingleby Barwick Independent Society.

Councillor Lee Narroway, independent councillor with the society, told The Northern Echo yesterday: "For too long now, Ingleby Barwick has sacrificed a lot to make way for developers.

"This news sends out a clear signal that our green wedge land is not for sale. This is a successful battle by residents and supporting councillors."

Mr Weatherall and two friends, who own the land on the banks of the River Tees, hoped to sell 19 plots of land for homes and make way for a country park.

But angry residents, whose homes back onto the land, did not want their views of rolling countryside spoilt.

In his report to the council's planning committee, Mr Grundy stated the plans would result in the loss of a Greenfield site and be obtrusive in the landscape of the Tees Valley.

He also commented on a detrimental effect on the traffic system for access to the new development.

Retired police officer John Harrison, a member of RHAG, lives in Newgale Close with wife Jennifer and their family.

He said: "We will not stand by and let more houses go up in an area of green space which is quickly diminishing."

In his letter, Mr Weatherall said he may contact the council in the future to discuss the issues. He was not available for comment yesterday.