PARISH councillors have supported Darlington Borough Council in a dispute over plans to evict a man from his caravan near the A66.

A public inquiry will take place later this year to determine whether Thomas Walker-Coates can remain on the land that he owns on the outskirts of Sadberge, near Darlington.

In February, the borough council's planning committee refused Mr Walker-Coates' application to remain on the land permanently.

But enforcement action against him was delayed after he lodged an appeal against the decision.

At a meeting of Sadberge Parish Council on Tuesday night, councillors agreed to make an objection to Mr Walker-Coates continuing to live in the field with his Alaskan malamute dogs.

A letter will be sent to the planning inspectorate outlining the reason for objection on the grounds of planning restrictions.

Councillor Brian Jones said he would also contact environmental services about concerns that sewage was being channeled into a nearby beck.

Mr Walker-Coates moved into his caravan more than ten years ago, near the former RAF Transport premises, in Killinghall Row, Middleton St George. Last November the land was sold for development and he moved to Sadberge.

He applied to the council for planning permission to remain on the site, saying that he needed to be away from other people on medical grounds.

However, his application to stay was turned down in February because the caravan was visually obtrusive and outside the borough's development limits.