A DEVELOPER is to redraw controversial plans for a £150m homes and office development on a golf course in the hope councillors will approve it.

Banks Developments has withdrawn its appeal against Durham City Council's decision to reject its proposals for the Mount Oswald course in Durham City.

But it says it will re-work the plans and submit a new application later in the year.

Banks said its scheme would create 4,000 jobs - but it ran into a barrage of objections. More than 130 people wrote, urging councillors to refuse permission, fearing, among other things, the loss of attractive open space.

The Highways Agency, concerned about the development's effect on nearby roads, imposed a direction that stopped the council from granting approval.

Mark Dowdall, the firm's environment and community director, said: "The proposals we put forward for Mount Oswald are extremely strong, but now we have more time to take a fresh look at the development options.

"The revised plans, for what remains a sound development site, will once again be designed to benefit both the local area and wider region economically, socially and environmentally."

Nigel Galvin, director of the golf club, said; "The course and venue remain fully open to members, visitors and guests alike.'' Peter Jackson, a golf course member, said: "I would like to see it retained as a golf course. Anything that impinges on that, I would anticipate objecting to.'' Nigel Martin, Durham County councillor for Nevilles Cross, said: "I am delighted they have withdrawn the appeal - it was a very, very bad application and it clearly went against the criteria in the Local Plan.

"It was condemned by all the serious consultees - One North- East, the county council and the Highways Agency, and local people were appalled."