PROTESTORS claim plans to build a road through a stretch of countryside would be a "terminal cancer" in the area.

An application has been submitted to construct an access road and car park in a field near Barmpton Lane, Barmpton, near Darlington.

The road would improve access to Skerningham Manor, which is being developed into a countryside gateway site. Residents in the area are furious about the plan, which they say will ruin the countryside.

Speaking on behalf of residents at a meeting of Darlington Borough Council's planning applications committee, Brian Pavey said there were a number of concerns.

The most serious concern is that it will increase rural crime, such as poaching, trespass and damage of neighbouring farms.

Residents also believe it will affect the local wildlife and possibly open the area to other developments.

In a statement to the committee, Mr Pavey said: "When we, the country folk, look at our countryside we see the beauty of the wildlife, its deer, fox, badger, pheasants, the fields, its flowers, insects and the natural and unspoilt beauty of the countryside.

"This proposed road will be a terminal cancer upon these lands and will spread at a rapid rate, engulfing the villagers of Barmpton and its close residents.

"We firmly object to the proposed plans and recommend that they be dismissed as unsatisfactory and detrimental to the public interest."

Farmer Peter Cheesborough said he will be one of those most affected by the proposed road.

"It will split my land in two and affect my livelihood," he said.

Planning officers told the committee that it may be possible to have locked gates at each end of the road to keep people out at certain times.

They believed the reasons to approve the application outweighed those to refuse.

Despite a recommendation to approve the scheme, councillors decided to defer a decision pending a site visit