PLANS to build 122 homes in Ingleby Barwick have been deferred after councillors expressed concern it would lead to too many properties being built in the area.

Persimmon Homes applied to Stockton Borough Council for permission to build 24 four-storey flats, 30 three-storey flats and 68 houses at the southern end of Broom Park on the estate.

It was proposed to build flats to add diversity to the type of housing available and to cater for first-time buyers.

But members of the council's planning committee said that too many properties were proposed and that the density would be too great.

Councillor Jennie Beaumont said: "It is just too tight. I am not against flats, but there is not much amenity space available."

Ingleby Barwick Parish Council had raised objections to the proposal. It raised concerns about the sizes of the properties, which had no loft storage and about the lack of bungalows being built in the area, which it said may drive older people out of the estate.

The plans will be discussed again by the committee in the next few months.