COUNCILLORS in Teesdale have reversed a decision by their planning committee and given the go-ahead for a housing development in Barnard Castle.

Objectors to the Wimpey Homes scheme, involving 27 houses and 30 flats at Montalbo Road, were delighted when the application was turned down last month. But at a special meeting of the Teesdale District Council on Wednesday, the plans were reconsidered and approved.

The objectors' main concern was the disputed size of the site and the density of the development. Wimpey said the site covered 1.96 hectares, while council planners determined it as 1.79.

Objectors disputed both claims, saying the building area measured 1.5 hectares. They said that the proposed 57 homes was too high a density for the area and should be reduced to 45.

Dr Pam Grunwell, speaking on behalf of the objectors, said planners had miscalculated the density of the housing.

"Behind this planning application there is a fundamental planning error which would result in a locally unacceptable housing development," she said.

Planning officer Ken Watson denied there had been a mistake.

He said: "There is no justification for us to insist on a lower density. It would be totally inappropriate to refuse the application on either design issues or density issues."

Councillor John Watson, who represents the Montalbo Road area, called for the application to be rejected and planning officers asked to reopen negotiations with Wimpey to reduce the density.

But an amendment by Councillor Ken Robinson to accept the planning officer's recommendation to grant planning permission was approved by 13 votes to four, with one abstention.