DEVELOPERS facing claims that a homes scheme would swamp a rural community are resisting public pressure to alter their plans.

At a meeting in St John's Chapel, on Thursday night, members of the public said that Dere Street's bid to build 51 houses behind Hood Street, would ruin the character of the village.

Residents said the development, which includes a terrace of three-storey homes, would double the population, saturating services and creating a dormitory settlement where Weardale people could not afford to live.

But Dere Street director Chris Hogan said yesterday he was happy with the scheme and saw no need to make changes. Outline planning permission was granted for the site in the early 1990s and the area is earmarked for housing in the Local Plan.

Mr Hogan said: "We are aware of people's concerns. This is the first development in Weardale for a number of years.

"I think the design is fine as it stands. I am not prepared to make changes.

"It is a high-quality development which uses natural materials and is in keeping with the rest of the village.

"We are following government guidelines to a certain degree. These are pushing developments towards higher density."

David Townsend, chief planning officer at Wear Valley District Council, told the 80 objectors at the meeting that their views would be considered.

Highways authority Durham County Council has already advised the district to refuse Dere Street's application. The county council asked for many properties to be moved and a redesign of the site road.

The North Pennines Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty Partnership and conservation officers are being consulted.

Village councillor John Shuttleworth said: "This scheme is totally unacceptable. The feeling of the meeting was very firmly against the development as it stands."