CAMPAIGNERS seeking to stop plans to demolish a house and build a rest home in its place have been accused of letting prejudices get in the way of the needs of the elderly.

A 3,000-name petition was given to planners yesterday protesting about plans for Rest Harrow, in Nunthorpe.

Forty people have visited every street in the area in a bid to save the building, which was built in the 1920s.

The large detached house in Guisborough Road has been bought by developers Paul Nelson and Ian Howlett, who own Nunthorpe Nurseries.

The pair have submitted plans to Middlesbrough Council for three houses in the gardens of Rest Harrow - one of which already has approval.

However, Swiftbuild Properties wants to buy the site and has applied for permission to build a 61-bedroomed care home in its place.

Angela Swift, of Swiftbuild Properties, said: "The question of whether planning permission should be granted for a nursing home for the elderly in Nunthorpe is a purely planning issue.

"The council will not be influenced in the decision-making process by a petition which reflects prejudices against the needs of the elderly."

The comments came weeks after agents apologised for comments made by other developers behind plans to replace Edwardian Red Cottage, in Nunthorpe, with 33 flats.

Resident Chris Flynn said he would not be directly affected by the proposed development but still did not want to the area to change.

He said: "There is absolutely no evidence of a need for a nursing home in Nunthorpe, despite their representatives saying there is a need."

Another resident, Catherine O'Brien, said: "It is lamentable that once again Nunthorpe is under siege from property development.

"Development in the scale of this care home will bring problems for Nunthorpe."