A DEVELOPER hopes to build nearly 300 new homes on a controversial site next to one of County Durham's most famous country halls.

Barratt Developments seeks planning permission to erect 298 houses near the ancestral home of folk hero Bobby Shafto - Whitworth Hall, in Spennymoor.

The company has just filed two plans with Sedgefield Borough Council, for 100 and 198 dwellings on separate plots to the west of High Whitworth Farm.

Neighbours have until Monday to share their views with the council about the proposals ahead of a development control committee meeting.

Coun Ben Ord urges residents to give their opinions as soon as possible because he knows how controversial an overall housing scheme for the area, which could see 800 homes built, has been. He said: "I would encourage anyone affected to express their views for or against the plans so there is a clear reflection of local feelings."

A Barratt spokesman said: "The site is allocated for residential development in the Local Plan and we believe there is strong demand for new homes in the area.

"We are proceeding with a detailed planning application to build 298 homes. As well as enhancing the town's housing stock the development will also provide local employment."

In December last year the council granted permission for a consortium of three developers, comprising Bellway, Persimmon and Yuill, to build 230 homes on part of the land.

That application was passed amid a dispute over the environmental status of the land. The site was originally classed as brownfield, because it was a former pit heap, but because of restoration work done on the countryside some parties felt it should be considered greenfield.

At the time Coun Ord called for public consultation because of the debate and following petitions from residents, who said the scheme would ruin an area of outstanding natural beauty.

He said: "After an archaeological survey by Durham County Council the site was reclassified as greenfield land so I moved that it should go back out to public consultation.

"I hope that this time everyone tells us what they think of the proposal before it goes to committee."

A spokesman for Sedgefield Borough Council said: "Both applications will be very carefully considered as there are a number of issues to be resolved."