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 hoped to build what it called a heritage footpath across woodland, known as Top of the Park, in Aynsley Terrace, Consett.

The path would link the street with Blackhill and Consett Park.

But homeowners in Aynsley Terrace launched a bid to have the area registered as a village green.

They said it was historically part of the main park and wanted to safeguard its future as an open space. Village green status will prevent the footpath being built.

Councillor 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, which would cost several thousand pounds, would be created to blend in with other routes through Blackhill and Consett Park, which underwent a £1.4m revamp in 2002.

It would include gateway features, 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."

Strathmore Homes bought the land as part of the former Derwentside College site in Park Road and is building 90 executive homes.

It said it had no intention of building on the land known as Top of the Park which is protected with a blanket tree preservation order.

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