FURIOUS residents are calling for a regional Government office to intervene after councillors gave a controversial executive housing and country park development the go ahead.

An application by businessman Dave Weatherall for 17 self-build plots on green land at Ingleby Barwick was granted by Stockton Borough Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

The vote on the application was tied, but committee chairman Councillor Mick Stoker used his casting vote to sway the decision in favour of the applicant.

The scheme, on land known as Betty's Farm Close, includes a riverside park and nature reserve, which will be passed into the care of the local authority.

A Section 106 agreement means that Mr Weatherall will pay £135,000 towards facilities, including a kickabout area, footpaths, tree planting and a mooring jetty on the River Tees.

But a residents' group set up to fight the proposals criticised the decision.

Adrienne Atkin, of the Round Hill Action Group, said: "We are absolutely appalled.

"It sends out a message to all developers that the local plan means nothing, and the developers can do what they want."

Councillor Lee Narroway, a member of the Ingleby Barwick Independent group on the council, said he would support residents who intended to write to the Government Office North East to ask for the decision to be called in.

He said: "It's a travesty for Ingleby Barwick."

Wednesday's meeting heard that the council's engineering and transport officer advised against the scheme because of poor access and a detrimental effect on traffic.

Those in favour of the scheme included Peter Jackson, who said he had lived in Ingleby Barwick for 17 years.

He said: "It's only now that we are starting to get the facilities we deserve, and this will enhance the facilities for the people of Ingleby Barwick."