A PLANNING committee that reached different verdicts on two apparently similar applications has left councillors "furious".

The controversy began at Darlington Borough Council's planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

Despite objections by Hurworth Parish Council and two residents to proposals for 11 flats in the village - on the grounds of a lack of parking - the planning committee granted permission.

But when borough council cabinet member Chris McEwan and two residents in the Haughton area of Darlington objected to plans for a new house - also due to a lack of parking - the committee deferred its decision for a site visit.

Hurworth's borough councillors have asked why their objections were not given the same consideration. The plans for the two-bedroomed flats, at the old Pine Lodge care home, in Hurworth, includes 12 parking spaces. The borough council's regulations recommend at least 17.

But the council's highways engineer said seven public spaces, at the front of Pine Lodge, would make up the shortfall.

Two local residents and the parish council objected, saying the public spaces were already in high demand, and should not be included.

But at Wednesday's meeting, permission was granted.

The planning committee also considered a new terraced house in Stockton Road, Haughton. Two residents objected, and were supported by Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for children's services.

The house's three rear parking spaces would be accessed by an unadopted track in poor condition.

Coun McEwan feared the bumpy track would mean residents using public spaces on the main street - which are already in high demand.

Both the Hurworth and Haughton applications were recommended for approval by the council's officers.

Hurworth councillor Martin Swainston, Liberal Democrat, said: "I don't object to the decision in Haughton, but if that's the case, let's have a level playing field."

Hurworth councillor Peter Foster, Independent, said: "They listen to a cabinet member, but not to the grassroots. I have spoken to Martin Swainston and we are quite furious about what has happened."

Planning committee chairman Frank Robson was unavailable for comment.

Coun McEwan said last night: "I would not like to comment on the application in Hurworth. I would say it is important that planning committees learn full knowledge of the situation, and it is often best delivered by a site visit."