PROTESTORS are hoping to stall a decision by councillors on a plan to build houses in a village near Darlington.

Planning officers recommended the proposals for ten homes in the grounds of Thorntree House, Middleton Lane, Middleton St George, for approval by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

But Middleton St George Parish Council has appointed a consultant, who has written to the Government Office for the North-East. It hopes the plan will be "called in"for scrutiny.

The council is concerned about loss of trees and believes the extra housing will put pressure on village services, such as the primary school and doctor's surgery, and create traffic problems.

More than 100 people have written letters of objection and a petition with 277 signatures has been submitted.

Darlington Civic Trust, the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Low Dinsdale Parish Council also object to the plan.

Ward and parish councillor Doris Jones said: "I think the plan is horrendous. I can see no benefit to the village. People are dismayed that this can be considered."

A report says that 29 trees would be felled but 44 new ones would be planted. It adds that the new primary school being built in the village could accommodate extra pupils.