A CONTROVERSIAL housing development has won a police-backed award for security.

Plans for the Greystones flats, in Carmel Road North, Darlington, met with the town's most vehement public opposition to a housing development.

But two years ago, Darlington Borough Council approved plans for 43 flats in the grounds of Greystones, a Victorian villa, despite 495 letters of objection.

Historians and conservationists were concerned that the flats and a new stretch of road were too close to the house. Other campaigners were worried about the effect the scheme would have on wildlife in the area.

But the council approved the scheme, which was completed in the New Year.

Today, construction company Shepherd Homes will receive a crime-fighting award for the safety initiatives incorporated in the building.

The Secured by Design award recognises nationally-approved architectural and crime-prevention standards and is accredited by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

All the doors and windows in the development meet enhanced security standards, and access to the flats is covered by security cameras.

At the time of the dispute, council leader John Williams expressed fears that if the site was not developed the grounds of the house would become an target for vandals.

Durham police have said the site has remained crime-free since the builders left the area. A spokesman for the force said: "The landscaping of the development has seen the undergrowth cleared and shrubs and bushes planted in such a way as to deny criminals easy cover.

He said that opposition to the scheme had lessened as building work progressed.

This was backed by leader of the protestors, David Hayward, who said: "Given the fact that we have a large estate there, they have built it in sympathy with the surrounding area. But we wait to see how they landscape the large wooded area behind the development with hopefully a minimal loss of protected trees."