RESIDENTS are calling for a halt to plans for a further housing development in Middleton St George.

More than 50 letters of objection and a petition will be sent to Darlington Borough Council opposing the proposal by Clarion Homes to redevelop the Station Garage site with three-storey terrace houses and garages.

Chairman of the village's community partnership, Margaret Clemence, is leading a campaign against the proposal, which she said would be intrusive.

She is collecting objections from people living in Dinsdale Close and those in sheltered housing at Dinsdale Court.

"There are already problems in getting emergency services to Dinsdale Court because of the number of cars. I dread to think what it'll be like with five added houses," she said.

"There is not the infrastructure to support them and the overspill of parked cars will cause people real problems. It will be murder.

"We know they will put something on the site, but why can't they look at a smaller development?"

Garage owner Simon Alsop approached Clarion Homes because his business was running at a loss. He is keen to see the planning application granted.

"I have been here 21 years and will be sorry to leave, but I'm not making any money," he said. "I have seen the designs and I think they are in keeping with the village."

Coun Doris Jones, chairman of the parish council, said: "This application is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

"People are strongly objecting to it. The three-storey houses will look hideous and be out of keeping with the area.

"However, I can sympathise with the garage owner's situation, but we are looking for a compromise."

Gill Grover, sales manager at Clarion Homes, said that it considered Middleton St George to be an up-and-coming area in the North-East and that the development would be an improvement to the village.