STOCKTON Council has hit back at claims that the defection of its chief planning officer to a local solicitors' firm could lead to a conflict of interests.

Steve Barker is leaving his post as head of planning at the borough council to work for the Darlington-based firm Blackett, Hart and Pratt.

The move sounded alarm bells with campaigners and Stockton South MP, Dari Taylor, who say they are worried because the solicitors have previously represented developers seeking planning permission for controversial schemes in the Eaglescliffe and Yarm area.

Earlier this year, Mr Barker helped to compile a document, known as SPG4, in a bid to protect the area from being swamped by flats developments and to help retain its character.

Concerns were raised by Norman Douglas, vice-chairman of the Stockton branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) at a public meeting last Friday.

He said he had worked closely with Mr Barker on the planning document. "For this to happen after all that hard work feels like a slap in the face.

"You cannot have the person who writes the rule book simultaneously considering joining the developers' consultants."

Mrs Taylor echoed these concerns: "I've had assurances there will be no conflict of interest. But when you work at an organisation, you take away so much.

"Even if he is not involved directly in planning matters relating to Stockton, the concern is he will be involved informally."

The council this week defended Mr Barker's decision and said everything possible had been done to avoid any conflict of interest.

Neil Schneider, corporate director of development and neighbourhood services, said: "The council is aware of and extremely disappointed by the statement issued by the Stockton branch of CPRE, regarding the perfectly legitimate career move by Stephen Barker to Blackett, Hart and Pratt.

"Upon Mr Barker entering negotiations regarding his career move, he quite properly formally advised the council of such, and it was agreed from that point that Mr Barker's professional code of conduct, which provides guidance in these areas, would be followed scrupulously by both parties. Mr Barker has taken no part whatsoever in any discussions or processes where there could be any conflict of interest."

Steve Hesmondhalgh, head of town and country planning at Blackett, Hart and Pratt, said Mr Barker would play no part in the development or submission of applications in the Stockton area.