THE deadline to lodge objections to a planned renewable energy village in Weardale has been extended after a surge in complaints from residents.

People in Eastgate formed an action group to fight the planned centre - nicknamed EcoDisney - at a public meeting on Monday night.

Villagers came out overwhelmingly against the plans, which will include sustainable housing, business units and facilities to produce five renewable energies - wind, solar, biomass, hydro and geothermal.

Although the centre will attract tourists and create fresh jobs for the area it was criticised as being a backdoor to a housing development.

It was also claimed that extra traffic on the A689 road would cause congestion havoc and villagers voiced concerns about the potential health risks of living near a biomass plant.

Wear Valley District Council's planning department has extended the deadline for objections to Friday May 16 to give residents more time to respond.

Kathleen Hutchinson, a parish councillor from Eastgate, criticised Weardale Task Force - made up of Wear Valley District Council, Durham County Council, One NorthEast and site owners Lafarge Cement UK- for overlooking residents.

She said: "Weardale Task Force believe that because the people of Eastgate have not kicked up a fuss that we are in favour of this eco-village. This is obviously not the case."

Residents throughout the rest of Weardale are still divided over the centre which could provide over 350 jobs.

Councillor for Weardale John Shuttleworth said: "There are jobs on the table and that is a priority for Weardale, if you have houses that come into the equation then so be it."

Mrs Hutchinson has organised a petition against the plans which she says has almost 80 signatures.

A meeting is expected to be called by the Eastgate action group within a week.

The outline designs are on display in the Durham Dales Centre at Stanhope, Wolsingham library and online at: www.weardale-works.co.uk.

Residents who would like more information on the action group are invited to contact Kathleen Hutchinson on 01388-517216.