CAMPAIGNERS have sent a questionnaire to 1,400 homes to gauge public opinion about a proposed housing development.

Persimmon Homes North-East wants to build 252 houses at Newfield Farm, near Chester-le-Street.

Residents of the villages of Newfield and Pelton have formed an action group in opposition to the scheme.

They argue the development is too big for the area, will change its semi-rural character and stretch local services too thinly.

They believe the area does not have the infrastructure to deal with such a large development.

The Newfield and Pelton Action Group is seeking the views of all residents and urging them to respond before Christmas Eve.

Chester-le-Street District Council held an exhibition of the plan at Roseberry Primary School last week, and the authority's planning committee is expected to discuss the matter at its meeting in February.

Group spokesman Iain Fergusson said: "Council officers advised us that any comments, whether they are for or against the development, should be sent to them by Christmas Eve for consideration at the meeting.

"I would hope people would respond, whether they are in favour of or against this development. What we do not want is an apathetic response."

The builder says an influx of housing will help regenerate the area and assist local schools by providing more pupils.

But Mr Fergusson, of Heathmeads, Pelton, said: "I moved into Pelton 15 years ago because it is a semi-rural area. From my window, I can look across green fields. Granted it is not the Lake District, but we do appreciate our green space and do not want to live in a built-up area.