PLANS to allow development on greenfield sites in Teesdale have been abandoned.

Teesdale District Council's Corporate Strategy Group has agreed to withdraw its alteration to the Teesdale Local Plan.

The amendment would have allowed small-scale development on greenfield sites within towns and villages in Teesdale.

The modification was being made because of concerns over the availability of land for sustainable development.

The decision to change the plan was unpopular with parish and town councils, as many feared it would create an over-proliferation of housing.

The objections would have sparked a public inquiry and concerns from the Government Office for the North-East.

The council hopes to pursue changes to planning policies through the Local Development Framework.