A PROPERTY developer last night hoped to discuss plans to build 31 apartments at Eaglescliffe with objectors.

Norman Peterson, managing director of Carlton Developments, based in Sedgefield, hoped to speak at a meeting of Egglescliffe Parish Council.

The company has submitted a planning application to Stockton Council to demolish the Orchard service station to build the flats. Earlier this year, the parish commented against the proposal and a petition with more than 3,000 names was put together in an attempt to save the garage.

Before the meeting, Mr Peterson said: "My objectives at the meeting are to introduce myself and the company to the parish council.

"I hope to have an open discussion about why they feel so strongly about the Orchard service station, a brownfield site being redeveloped. The station was closed down by a company in receivership which has sold about 102 other stations throughout the UK."

Carlton Developments has redeveloped a similar site in Aycliffe Village and received an award from the National House Building Council.

"This site was offered to us and it lends itself to something that would be a landmark in the area. What really concerned me originally was the parish council had a petition up before we had announced any plans.

"I have written to 50 people in the area. I'm happy to listen to views and take ideas on board and try to understand people's thinking," Mr Peterson added.

However, officers at Stockton are recommending today's planning committee should refuse the application although the decision is up to councillors.

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rescue - again

RESCUE dog Toggle helped save the day when a group of walkers from Doncaster got lost between Runswick Bay and Staithes on Wednesday night.

The Cleveland Search and Rescue Team was alerted by police when the group phoned for help after getting lost in woodland. The team abandoned their night training session and 14 members, plus Toggle, responded to the call.

The missing group was found safe and well by Toggle after 90 minutes. They were then evacuated to Staithes in the rescue team's off-road vehicles.

Team spokesman Pete Mounsey said: "This was the 26th call out of the year and the third time that missing people have been located by Toggle.