CONCERN over parking has delayed plans to replace a derelict auction mart with flats

Three Rivers Housing Group has applied three times to develop the site in Barnard Castle.

Yesterday, another application was deferred by Teesdale District Council's development control committee, after a debate about potential parking problems the development could cause.

The Newcastle-based housing association applied to build 14 flats on the site, between Vere Road and Galgate, but members argued that the eight parking spaces allocated were not enough.

There was also confusion over whether the flats were intended to be retirement flats or for people of any age.

Councillor Newton Wood said: "I'm unhappy about this application because the developer is saying that the type of people who will be living in the flats won't be using cars.

"Now whether that means elderly or disabled people, I'm not sure, the applicant doesn't say, but they then state that if the parking facilities aren't enough then there would be ample parking facilities in the town. I'm sorry but there aren't."

Planning officer Trevor Watson said the housing association had indicated the flats were intended for elderly people, and that the highways authority would not object to the parking facilities.

Members voted to defer the matter to resolve the issue of occupancy.