A PLAN to build Britain's first large-scale US-style retirement village has been revived.

Last December, Stockton Borough Council rejected the plan to build a £100m village at Mount Leven, between Ingleby Barwick and Yarm, because it intruded on protected green wedge Tees Heritage Park land.

However, well-known local businessman Javed Majid has re-submitted an altered plan to build 350 homes, largely bungalows, and a 100-bed retirement home.

The altered plan would have improved landscaping and provides for better traffic management, including traffic lights or a roundabout.

Mr Majid has also appealed against Stockton Council's rejection of the original application and a decision by the Secretary of State for Local Government, Eric Pickles, is expected in the summer.

Both applications would provide a doctors' surgery, gym, cafe and swimming pool at the new retirement village for over-55s.

Nearly 100 people have already objected to the revised plan, even though it has only been registered with Stockton Council for about three weeks and there has been no publicity about it.

Most mention the intrusion on to Tees Heritage Park land and traffic problems.

However, others argue it is wrong for older people to be "ghettoised" in separate villages, say the plan would have an adverse effect on wildlife, and claim it would increase pollution.

One objector, Nigel Radcliffe, of Yarm, was typical in his comments on Stockton Council's website. He said: "The roads in the borough are a disgrace and falling to pieces. Additional traffic caused by additional vehicles in the area would make things worse than they are now."

Richard Beeton, also of Yarm, published this objection on the council's website. He said: "The application has not materially changed since it was previously declined by Stockton Borough Council; hence this application should also be refused on the same grounds as before.

"The land forms a green wedge between the communities of Yarm and Ingelby Barwick and should not be built upon. The land also forms part of Tees Heritage Park and should remain unchanged for future generations to enjoy."

Mr Majid, chairman of Maher Developments, said: "The level of public response throughout this process has been far from one-sided, with many of the comments received regarding the original application being very supportive.

"We have taken on board the highways and green wedge reasons for refusing the initial application."