A BUILDING company behind a proposed major housing development in Middlesbrough is appealling against the decision to refuse it planning permission.

Bellway Homes and Nasser Din, who owns the land at The Grove, Marton, have asked the Planning Inspectorate to consider their application to demolish existing 1930s housing on the one-and-a-half acre site and build 25 two and three-storey apartments.

The proposal was rejected by Middlesbrough planning committee in January because of the potential impact on nearby residents and the local environment.

Planners feared the new buildings would not suit the character of the area and could set an undesirable precedent for similar developments in the future.

To express an opinion, write to Nick Kessler, the Planning Inspectorate at Room 3/26 Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN, and quote reference APP/WO734/A/03/1113857.