A RURAL businessman refused permission to expand his enterprise has returned with fresh proposals for the scheme.

David Cowie wants to site a mobile home, kennels and stable block on a number of allotments south of Wilks Hill in the village of Quebec, near Durham.

Derwentside District Council turned down his first application in October, after complaints of noise from villagers.

Mr Cowie, who already runs a business on the site accommodating horses and 15 foxhounds, has reapplied to the council with a similar scheme.