AN application to build a four-bedroom house in Spennymoor has been rejected because it would be too close to neighbouring homes.

The proposal for a detached house at Walkworth Lane was considered by Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee.

Two previous applications for a house on the site have been rejected, one because the site is not large enough and the other because of insufficient information.

Council officers said the current proposal 'would result in an unacceptable loss of light and an enclosed and cramped outlook for existing residents.'

The design of the house was also considered unacceptable because it would be out of keeping with the character of the area.

The council received three letters of objection from local residents and Robert Milton, son-in-law of one of them, spoke on their behalf at the meeting.

He said: "The residents affected are largely retired people and spend rather more time than the rest of us taking enjoyment in their gardens and the their light and privacy would be removed from them."

Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application.