HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition protesting about a plan to build 28 houses and create parking for cars and coaches in a village.

Village traders have welcomed the proposal as it could attract more visitors to Middleton in Teesdale near Barnard Castle. But residents living close to the two-acre site off Bridge Street said it will be over-development of the area and be dangerous for road users and pedestrians.

Gillian Gallagher, who lives in Bridge Street and who organised the petition, said many people agreed that too much is being built on the available space.

She said that the 28 houses, set out in three terraces, would have 42 private car spaces and an access on to Bridge Street. A separate access is proposed for a second parking area, with space for 24 cars and four coaches.

The petition, which has more than 300 names, is being sent to Teesdale District Council, which will consider the planning application. About 20 people have sent letters of objection.

Traders have welcomed the plan for the parking area, especially the spaces for coaches, as there is nowhere in the village for larger vehicles to park and man tour companies avoid it.

Middleton in Teesdale parish council has voted in favour of the plan, but councillors said it has reservations about the number of houses and parking places involved.

A spokesman for the district council said all the opinions will be taken into account before a decision is made.