A CONTROVERSIAL decision to approve more new houses in a village will be reported to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

The eight houses in the Middleton St George conservation area received permission on Wednesday despite 105 letters of objection and a 277-name petition.

The four detached houses and terrace of four three-storey homes in the grounds of 19th century Thorntree House were approved by Darlington Borough Council planning committee.

Villagers said the development was out of keeping in the conservation area and would damage the appearance and character of the village.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England, Darlington Civic Trust and Middleton St George and Low Dinsdale Parish Council also objected.

Coun Doris Jones, for Middleton St George Parish Council, told the meeting: "It is a conservation area but it will become no more than a small housing estate with access in front of a school. I think it is deplorable."

She was unhappy that the committee did not see the design of the three-storey terrace at the meeting.

She said the village local plan was almost completely disregarded by officers, who devoted just one paragraph to it in a 14-page report.

She would complain to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Alison Leech, resident and petition organiser, claimed the plans were not readily available for villagers to examine.

Coun Gerald Lee said: "Eight houses in an area of outstanding natural beauty is eight too many. The people of Middleton St George are saying enough is enough. That is over-development and it is not acceptable."

Coun Charles Johnson agreed: "Is it normal to cut down trees to facilitate development?"

But Coun Frank Robson, planning chairman, said there had been consultation; the original number of houses was reduced from 14 to eight.

Members approved the plan although it will not be official until Monday after a computer error saw some objectors told the committee meeting was today rather than Wednesday.

If any significant new objections are received, the proposal will be reconsidered at next month's planning committee.

Bowes quads to be confirmed

QUADS who were baptised together will return to the same church next month for their confirmation.

Rebecca, Laura, Kirsty and Emma Guy will be confirmed at St Giles' Church, Bowes, on Palm Sunday, March 20, just five days before their 12th birthday.

The girls, who are pupils at Staindrop Comprehensive School, live with their parents, Alan and Vivian, at Nova Scotia Farm at Bowes