COMMUNITY leaders of a north Durham village have called an urgent public this weekend to mobilise against what they view as an onslaught by housing developers.

Residents have voiced overwhelming objections to a planning application submitted to Durham County Council by David Wilson Homes, of Barratt Developments, seeking permission to build 52 homes on 8.8 acres of greenfield land at Cadger Bank, Lanchester.

And they have spoken out against an appeal announced this week by Story Homes against the council’s decision to reject plans for 149 homes to the north of Newbiggin Lane, Lanchester.

Story Homes' proposals were turned down after about 1,360 residents lodged formal objections - one of the largest protests the council has seen against a housing development.

The chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural Lanchester Eric Hepplewhite, said a meeting had been convened jointly with Lanchester Partnership at the village’s Croft View Halls, Lanchester at 2.30pm on Sunday (November 22).

He said: “We feel as if we are under attack (by developers) at the moment. The village is up in arms.

“These housing developments, if allowed, will destroy the character of the village. The schools are already full and there will be traffic safety and parking problems.”

Objecting to the David Wilson Homes plans, he added: “Cadger Bank is too dangerous. In 1989 Derwentside District Council refused an application for a housing estate because councillors that access was too dangerous, being on a steep hill.

“Well nothing has altered in this time to make it any better."

The Friends of Longovicium have objected to the Cadger Bank proposals saying they would have an adverse impact on Lanchester’s Roman fort and destroy remains within the nearby settlement.

A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes North East said: "The site was allocated by the council as being suitable for 80 new homes, but our architects have taken on board the character of the area and we are sure these luxurious homes will not detract from the character of the village.

"In terms of an increase in size, the proposal would increase the village by about two per cent."

She added: "We are aware of the concerns of the impact on the Roman fort and viscus. The proposed site is about 800m from the location of the fort and lies outside the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

"However, just to make sure David Wilson Homes commissioned an independent intrusive dig on the site, which revealed very little in terms of archaeology. We are also aware that English Heritage has confirmed the site is not part of the monument."