A DEVELOPER who hopes to build a caravan park on derelict land has denied claims he would sell the land to gipsies if the project hits the buffers.

Terry Ward was said to have told at least one resident he could move 50 gipsy families onto the old Skipbridge Brickworks site, a meeting of Hurworth Parish Council heard.

But last night, Mr Ward, who lives near the site, in Neasham Road, near Hurworth, denied the claims.

He said: "I would not sell it to gipsies. The reason is I want to live here."

Mr Ward has applied to build a 115-unit static caravan park with tennis courts, a gym, and play areas. The area is hard standing and scrub land.

But neighbours say the park is too large and would cause extra noise, traffic, and litter. They also argue the area's infrastructure could not cope.

Resident Val Smith told a meeting of the parish council, on Tuesday night, of the gipsy claim.

She said: "I told Terry Ward I would be objecting. He said he would sell the land to families of gipsies if we did not agree, and there would be 50 gipsy families living on it within a week."

Other residents said they had heard the same thing.

Mrs Smith, who has lived at Skipbridge for four years, added she would be happy for Mr Ward to build a small number of houses on the site. The parish council unanimously decided to object to the caravan park.

Mr Ward has defended his plans. He said: "There isn't going to be noise - it's going to be quiet.

"It will be more for retired people. It will improve the area - it's crying out for something like this."

Darlington Borough Council has so far received nine letters of objection to the caravan park, and five letters of support.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England has objected in "the strongest possible terms".

Neasham Parish Council has also objected to the caravan park. There is already a static caravan park, Newbus Grange Country Park, in Neasham.

Borough councillor Martin Swainston said: "The area does need tidying up but I think a caravan park would be disproportionate.

"I have not spoken to anyone who is in favour."

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee has not set a date for its decision.