SEVEN separate planning applications are threatening to ruin the historic surroundings of Egglescliffe village.

On Thursday of last week, Egglescliffe Parish Council discussed the applications for 20 new homes proposed for the village.

More than 80 residents also attended a meeting last Friday to examine all the plans in detail.

The councillors agreed not to comment on a proposal to build two agricultural buildings at Village Farm, in Church Road.

However, plans to demolish a farm building and erect three houses, garages and a new access at Village Farm were met with objections.

Coun Harry Alderton said: "I am concerned about the inadequacy of the access which is shared between residents and agricultural use. There are going to be pedestrians using it so there is a road safety issue. The eleventh century hamlet will also change with the houses."

Five new houses were proposed in the grounds of the Old Hall, along with renovation of the hall and the conversion of a stable into a house, garages and a new access.

Council chairman Coun Sue Ireland said: "The designs are not in keeping with the cottages or the Old Hall. I have no problem with them doing up the hall but I cannot condone these designs in a conservation area. The access is also too narrow."

The council did not comment on an application to demolish a farm building at Manor Farm, but decided to raise concerns over the access from Back Lane in plans to build seven houses, garages and convert a stable into a house.

Members also raised concerns that an application to build a house and two garages on land next to Rose Cottage, in Back Lane, were in a conservation area, surrounded by listed properties.

Coun Ireland said: "There are 20 dwellings proposed altogether and most are not in keeping with the listed buildings in the area. There would be over-development in a conservation area.

"The accesses are inadequate, there is no adequate off-road parking and there would by a significant 25pc increase in traffic.

"The development would be detrimental to the area and set a precedent. We have got to protect the history of the village."

Coun John Fletcher, who attended the residents' meeting, said local people felt the village roads would be unable to cope and that there could be a problem with overflowing sewers.

He said: "I was heartened by the amount of interest people showed. Quite a lot of them were also concerned about the house designs and said the village would end up looking like Ingleby Barwick.

"I would advise anyone who wishes to comment to write to Stockton Council planning department by the deadline of December 2.