PLANNING chiefs are to draw up guidelines for councillors to protect the character of housing estates across the Sedgefield borough.

Officers at Sedgefield Borough Council want to prevent a "terracing effect" being created by homeowners extending their semi or detached homes so they nearly join up.

Members of the council's development control committee asked for clarification about the "terracing effect" when officers said it was a reason to refuse a planning application for a house extension.

The applicant wanted to build a two-storey side extension at his home in Belle View Villas, Spennymoor, but officers said it would adversely affect the street scene and neighbours could apply for similar extensions and create a solid row of homes.

The application was refused.

Andrew Farnie, principal development control officer, said: "It has happened elsewhere and we are trying to put a stop to it to safeguard the existing characteristics of semi-detached properties."