OUTRAGED residents will not have the chance to voice their concerns about plans to build 120 homes at a public inquiry.

Councillors on Durham County Council’s planning committee voted in favour of approving plans for houses on agricultural land off Mill Lane, in Sherburn. `

The same committee refused to grant planning permission for identical plans last September, which had sparked an appeal and public inquiry due to take place in July.

Today’s (Tuesday’s) decision means that inquiry will not now take place.

However, residents have already asked for the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to look into the decision.

At a county planning committee, residents reiterated their previous concerns about road safety, the loss of agricultural land, a lack of medical and education facilities to cope with extra demand, damage to the landscape and environment and the impact on Sherburn’s conservation area.

The committee also heard a letter from Belmont and Sherburn medical group expressing concern about their short term capacity and ability to provide for an extra 400 people.

But Durham County Council officers dismissed these concerns and councillors were told by legal advisor Laura Renaudon that the authority could not find anyone who was able to defend the previous decision to refuse permission.

September's decision was made because of concerns about traffic, the loss of agricultural land and harm to the conservation area.

Cllr Grenville Holland said: “The council has resolved that the appeal is not defendable because the reasons for refusal cannot be supported.

“In my 30 years as a councillor that is a unique statement. I think this should be tested at appeal or by the Secretary of State.”

Committee chairman Cllr Keith Davidson said: “We were clearly advised that the highways reasons for refusal were sketchy and we were then advised they were indefensible.

“It’s a pity we haven’t heard from objectors some fresh planning reasons on which we could refuse this.”

Cllr Henry Nicholson added: “I believe no fresh evidence has come along from objectors that we can refuse this application, as much as we might sympathise with people in that area.”

The homes are earmarked for a 13.6-acre site, owned by the Church Commissioners for England. They say the development is sustainable and will support local services and facilities.