COUNCILLORS are being asked to consider a compromise in a row over a homes plan which residents claim would swamp a former pit village.

Dozens of people from Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, posted letters to Wear Valley District Council objecting to a development brief outlining proposals for at least 90 homes on grassland either side of Low Queen Street.

The postal protest followed a public meeting attended by more than 100 objectors, who also want councillors to attend a public debate.

Once occupied by pitmen's cottages, the site is regarded by many as Witton Park's village green. It was restored in the mid-1980s by a village action group, which planted trees and laid turf.

Residents complained that the new homes would cause traffic problems, overload existing amenities such as schools, leave children with nowhere to play and destroy the character of the close-knit community.

Planners have responded by putting revised plans to the council's regeneration committee next Wednesday.

Regeneration director Bob Hope is suggesting that building should be restricted to a site to the north of Low Queen Street, leaving the rest as an open space. There would also be room for a new church, for which £100,000 has already been raised.

Extra space for housing could be found on a site at present allocated for industrial use alongside the entrance to the newly restored Paradise Park.

Mr Hope said: "Clearly there is considerable local opposition. It is necessary to alter the brief and reconsult.

"Much of the opposition relates to the scale and impact of the development on the open space in the centre of the village."

Objector Alison Gillis said last night: "It makes perfect sense. At least they are listening to us. There is very strong feeling in the village about this.

"We are still waiting for a response from councillors."