RESIDENTS opposing a controversial housing development have been given breathing space after a planning meeting last night.

Wear Valley District Council's development control committee was due to make a decision about Yuill Homes' plans to build 106 houses on a former sawmills site, in Wolsingham.

The committee was expected to give the development the go-ahead following recommendations from planning officers, but last night decided to defer the decision.

The application for the sawmill site was submitted before neighbour Weardale Castings and Engineering Ltd announced last month that it was ceasing operations within two years.

The closure of the works will now make more land available for development in the same area.

More than 600 Wolsingham residents had written to the council urging them to refuse Yuill's application, which would see existing buildings demolished, the construction of a road to the Weardale Railway, and the development of a business park as well as the houses.

They say the development is too big for a village of Wolsingham's size, and have been protesting against the plans since they were first mooted last year.

Ward Terrace, Durham Road and Attwood Terrace are the three streets nearest to the earmarked site.

One of the objectors is Richard Wigham, who lives in Ward Terrace and believes the village does not need such a large development.

"I don't want it, " he said. "A hundred houses is too big for a little village like Wolsingham.

"It's going to spoil the character of Wolsingham."

About a dozen residents turned out last night in protest against the plans, but did not comment after the deferral was announced.

Mr Wigham asked to be kept informed about further developments, and the planning application will be discussed at a later date.