PEOPLE are protesting fiercely against proposals for a further housing development in the centre of their community.

More than 50 letters of objection and a petition will be sent to Darlington Borough Council calling for a halt to plans for five houses in Middleton St George.

Developer Clarion Homes has submitted an application to redevelop the Station Garage site with three-storey terraced housing 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 about possible redevelopment because his business is 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."

Councillor Doris Jones, chairwoman of the parish council, said a public meeting was held earlier in the week for people to voice concerns.

"There is huge objection from residents because the designs are so out of keeping with the character of the village," she said.

"We do feel sympathy for the garage owner's situation, but we are looking for a compromise and for some reasonable development."

Coun Jones said the village was exhausted by the number of housing developments in recent years.

She said: "We are getting house on top of house, but there is no infrastructure to support them. We don't have any land left for children to play on."

Gill Grover, sales manager at Clarion Homes, said: "We consider Middleton St George to be an up-and-coming area in the North-East and think the development will be an improvement to the village."