PEOPLE power has won after a firm withdrew a controversial application to build 24 flats in a quiet residential area.

George Wimpey North-East had applied to Stockton Borough Council for permission to demolish a house in South View, Eaglescliffe, and replace it with two three-storey blocks of flats.

But the plans led to a wave of protests from residents in South View, Urlay Nook Road and Yarm Road, and the council received 754 objections, as well as a 62-name petition.

The majority of people were concerned that the development would not be in keeping with the surrounding area, would create traffic problems and set a precedent for further applications in the area.

A site visit was due to be held today, with a decision expected to be made at a planning meeting tomorrow, but the application has been withdrawn.

Councillor Jeremy Atkinson, who represents the Egglescliffe ward, said: "I think the residents will be absolutely delighted the application has been withdrawn.

"However, I do think they will be keeping a very close watch to see if another application takes its place."

Helen Rennison, the clerk of Egglescliffe Parish Council, said: "We have heard a rumour that the application has been withdrawn but have not had it confirmed.

"If it has, then why did they leave it to the 11th hour.

"An awful lot of people have gone to a lot of expense and given up a lot of their time to fight this plan, and have taken time off work to attend today's site visit and the meeting tomorrow.

"They could have withdrawn sooner.

"I am quite angry about it, because it has caused a lot of inconvenience for quite a lot of people and wasted their time."

A report to tomorrow's meeting had recommended that councillors refuse the application.

A spokeswoman from the council said: "We can confirm the application has been withdrawn and there will be no site visit today."

A spokesman for George Wimpey North-East said the company was unable to comment.