PLANS to build a landscaped link from a residential street to a park are in jeopardy, after residents objected to the scheme.

Developer Strathmore Homes plans to build what it called a heritage footpath across woodland known as the Top of the Park in Aynsley Terrace, Consett. The path would link the street with Blackhill and Consett Park.

But the walkway is in doubt after homeowners in Aynsley Terrace launched a bid to have the area registered as a village green. They consider it was historically part of the main park and want to safeguard its future as an open space.

But village green status will prevent even the footpath being built.

Coun Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council, said: "A lot of residents want to see the footpath built and it would be a good feature for them. But the village green application threatens to stop it altogether."

The heritage path would be created to blend in with other routes through Blackhill and Consett Park, which underwent a £1.4m revamp in 2002.

This would include gateways, a red shale path and ornate seating and lamp posts. Once built, the route would be adopted and maintained by the district council.

Simon le Jeune, the council's chief planning officer, said: "It is baffling, really. The residents want to keep a small clearing of grass, but are going to lose out on all the heritage features this path would bring.

"Village green applications are being used more and more to stifle development. It is old legislation and is not very precise."

Strathmore Homes bought the land as part of the former Derwentside College site in Park Road. It is building 90 executive homes on the land, but has no intention of building on the Top of the Park, which is protected with a blanket Tree Preservation Order.

James Johnston director of Strathmore Homes, said: "We are working closely with Derwentside District Council and would obviously like to see the footpath constructed."

Greg Coltman, spokesman for the protestors, said: "There is a hint of duplicity by the council in this. There was a perfectly good footpath there anyway and if we win village green status, the developer will have to put that back in."

A public inquiry will be held later this year into the village green application, along with a similar proposal to protect the Blue Heaps site.