Proposals for the North-East's first eco-village have been thrown out by planners after a last minute intervention by highways chiefs.

Objectors, who packed the council chamber this morning to hear the application, applauded as councillors refused permission for the estate to be built in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Developers Aire Design had wanted to build 113 environmentally-friendly houses with solar panels, zinc roofs and large south facing windows.

The idea was to create an innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable housing estate.

But the scheme drew "unprecedented" levels of mail amid fears that the village was to be a new age commune, gypsy caravan site or accommodation for asylum series.

Planners had recommended the application was approved until they received a letter from Durham County Council just hours before the meeting.

The letter said the council had asked the developers for clarification on a number of highways issues, but no discussions had taken place and fears for the safety of pedestrians and road users remain.

As a result, planner Charlie Walton said he was changing his recommendation to one of refusal.

After the meeting, objector David Sutton-Lloyd said: "We are pleased on behalf of all the residents."