RESIDENTS in Hurworth have started round two of their fight against plans to build a block of flats in the village.

More than a dozen residents attended a parish council meeting last week to air their objections to an amended planning proposal to demolish Church View Garage to build six flats.

Planning officer at Darlington Council, David McGaughey, said: "There have been some modifications to the plans. The rear element has been reduced in size and there are design alterations to reduce the loss of light to other properties. The roof line also has a step in it."

After residents, along with the parish council, objected to the original application, the plans were returned to the applicant for re-examination.

Church View resident Kathleen Spence said: "The amended application still proposes to build six flats. The applicants have altered the plans slightly but at the end of the day we have the same problems.

"There are eight parking spaces planned at the most which will hinder the access to Church Lane at the side of the garage. The building is also still two storeys high.

"I don't think anybody who I have spoken to thinks the proposal is in keeping with Church View. It will stick out like a sore thumb."

Residents living in Church View have sent written comments objecting to the application to Darlington Council's development and environment department.

The parish council supported the residents' views at the meeting and agreed to write a letter in support.