A COUNCIL has rejected a bid to formalise the controversial use of land for off-road motorbikes, quadbikes riding and 4X4 vehicles.

Durham County Council turned down application for a certificate of lawfulness for the use of the land south of Byermoor and North-East of Crookbank Farm, Burnopfield.

The applicant argued the land, straddling County Durham and Gateshead boundary, had been used for this purpose for more than 10 years with no enforcement action taken.

Neighbouring landowners and other users disputed this saying its use by off-road vehicles had been sporadic. Residents who objected complained about noise and motorbikes being ridden anti-socially.

Durham Constabulary said the area is also used by hikers, dog walkers and horse riders and shooting parties, which has led to conflict. with Northumbria Police once taking action.

In their response to the application, officers added public rights of way across the land had been damaged and there was concerned about the negative impact of increased use should permission be granted.

Ruling against the application, planning officers said while they were satisfied the land had been used by off-road vehicles for more than 10 years, the extent had not been described with sufficient clarity and precision.