A PROPOSAL to turn a paddock into a caravan site for travellers is likely to be rejected by councillors for the third time.

James Mounsey first asked Darlington Borough Council for permission to create the park for members of his family in July 2001.

The application was refused and he reapplied in March last year.

But councillors again rejected the application for stationary caravans and amenity site at Blackwell Moor Farm, Snipe Lane, Hurworth Moor, despite council officers recommending its approval.

They said the proposal could damage the countryside and there was unsatisfactory access to the A66.

A third application has now been submitted, seeking to overcome the problems in the original plans.

But officials are still opposing the scheme on the grounds that it contravenes local planning policy. They also believe there would be road safety troubles.

A report to councillors ahead of a planning meeting on Wednesday states: "It remains the conclusion that the personal circumstances of the applicant are not sufficient in this case to overcome the planning policy objections and highway safety objections."