CAMPAIGNERS are considering launching a legal challenge against a controversial housing development on a village border.

Members of Hurworth Against Detrimental Development (HADD) have raised the possibility of taking action against the decision to build 100 new houses on the outskirts of the village.

Last month, Darlington Borough Council planning application committee members voted in favour of the 100-home plan off Roundhill Road in Hurworth, near Darlington, bringing about tears from some of those fighting against the plans.

More than 220 formal objections were submitted during the meeting.

Planning applicants Banks Developments have stated the site is a “wholly appropriate location” to build a range of three to five-bedroomed homes.

They also said the development will attract £50m of investment and create around 70 jobs in the area.

Campaigners previously vowed to fight against any future planning applications, and are now looking at ways the council’s vote can be overturned.

Concerns had been raised over flooding of the countryside site, as well as an access road to the new build that joins the main route leading in and out of the village.

A spokesperson for HADD said: “At this stage, HADD is seeking legal advice.

“People are now aware of possible impartiality issues with Banks Developers, and we want to see transparency in local politics.

“People’s views are not being seeked by elected members, and HADD members want to see democracy in action.”

Lewis Stokes, community relations manager at the Banks Group, says: “The planning application for new housing at Roundhill Road, Hurworth was carefully designed to be fully in keeping with the local area, is on a site that is in a wholly appropriate location for this type of residential development, and will enable the delivery of many long-term economic, environmental and social benefits to the local community.

“Staying in or moving to the places in which people want to live should be an option for everyone, and increasing the supply of quality homes across North East England through developments such as this will contribute towards making this a realistic goal.”