A RECLUSE who set up a mobile home on the embankment of the A66, near Darlington, has escaped eviction for the time being.

Thomas Walker-Coates disobeyed planning policies and parked his caravan and five dog kennels, in a field near Sadberge.

The move caused outrage among residents and parish councillors, who regarded the caravan as obtrusive and wanted it removed.

Their views were shared by planning officers who, when considering an application from Mr Walker-Coates to allow the caravan to remain on the site, recommended the proposal be refused.

But members of Darlington Borough Council's planning committee decided to defer their decision to consider whether there are exceptional circumstances.

Neville Thompson, speaking on Mr Walker-Coates' behalf, urged that he be allowed to stay.

A letter was sent to the council from a medical consultant confirming that Mr Walker-Coates suffers from a medical condition and that he considered the caravan site satisfied his needs.

As well as the caravan he has placed a small stable building and metal compounds for his five Siberian huskies in the field.

He has also installed a sewerage pipe on the land, which members of Sadberge Parish Council believe runs into a nearby beck.

But despite being opposed to the caravan being kept on the field, the parish council did not sent a representative to speak at the planning meeting.

Committee members have requested a full report from social services before reaching a decision.