A PARTIALLY built housing development has been refused planning permission for a second time because it is too close to existing homes.

Construction company Bowey Homes were first granted permission to build 34 houses on the former Hardwick depot site at Spennymoor, in September 2002.

But homeowners in Dundas Street were shocked last summer when they realised builders were raising the level of the ground to erect three storey town houses, which would overlook their dwellings.

An inspection revealed that the houses were being built 2.8 metres closer to the site boundary than shown on the approved layout and the builders were told to stop work.

The developers re-applied, but this was refused because of the overbearing impact on the neighbouring properties and an appeal is pending.

Another application to alter the design of the houses, giving the impression of a two storey house at the rear, was considered by Sedgefield Borough Council's planning committee last week.

Developers said this was the last design revision they would be making and would withdraw the original appeal if the new application was approved.

Planning officers had recommended the application be approved, but councillors voted narrowly to refuse permission.