A STINGING attack on the way Sedgefield Borough Council reached a planning decision was made by one of its own members yesterday.

Councillor Keith Henderson was speaking at a public inquiry into the council's decision to refuse planning permission for an eco-friendly estate in Newton Aycliffe.

Developers Aire Design have applied to build 113 houses on the town's Cobblers Hall site.

Their plan is to use energy- efficient building materials, including zinc roofs, in a linear layout to take maximum advantage of the sun. They say it would create a sustainable housing development.

The proposal drew strong objections on several points from scores of residents, who said the development would be out of character with the rest of the estate.

But Sedgefield Borough Council rejected the application on the single ground that the highway design and layout would be detrimental to highway and pedestrian safety.

An appeal was lodged and a date for a public inquiry set but, in the meantime, the developers resolved the highways problems.

As a result, the council said it would be taking a neutral stance in the appeal, leaving the residents to state their case.

On the first day of the appeal, in Woodham Community Hall yesterday, residents repeated their objections.

They include the design, materials and layout of the estate and lack of consultation.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of pavements in the Home Zone concept, which has speed bumps and different surfaces designed to protect pedestrians.

Coun Henderson said he did not agree with council planning officers' interpretations of the brief for the estate or Government guidelines.

He said the concerns had not been properly debated at the original planning meeting, and that the council's solicitor was wrong to advise they should not be considered as grounds for objection.

Planning Inspector Shelagh Bussey earlier ruled that the development should not be described as an eco-village, because the term was subjective.

The developers made an opening statement which attempted to address the objections and explain how the proposal complied with planning rules.

The inquiry continues today, when among the witnesses will be the project's architect, Professor Douglas Clelland.