PEOPLE are urging councillors to back them in their fight to stop builders extending plans for an executive housing estate.

People living near the Bracks Farm development, being built on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, are fighting a fresh planning application that has been submitted for homes on the site.

Persimmon Homes is seeking approval to build 36 houses on part of the Bracks Farm site it is buying from Bryant Homes. The latter has planning permission to build 149 homes on the site, 30 of which would have occupied the plot.

People living In Wynyard Grove, Redworth Grove and Durham Road have sent a petition and letters of objection to Wear Valley District Council.

They are angry that Persimmon wants to add six extra properties to the plot which they will say will take up valuable green space, block light from their homes and spoil the view into the town.

Dene Valley Parish Council has also objected to the district council, ahead of the authority's next development control committee meeting on June 26, at which the application is expected to be discussed.

Campaigner Edwina Marriott said: "Most of us saw the benefit of executive housing to attract entrepreneurs and new business to the town.

"But extra homes are crammed on to the plot. The estate won't be a nice sight for people visiting the town, which is the gateway to the dale."

Another objector, Phil Woolley, said: "Buildings would get closer to the disused railway which is a popular semi-rural path and cycle-way.

"It would also take the overall site over 150 houses, which would have had to have Government approval had it been one developer."

David Townsend, head of development and building control for Wear Valley District Council, said: "All factors will be considered at committee.

"The Government office has asked for details of the plans, but I don't know yet whether the application will be considered as a separate proposal for a 36-house development or as part of the larger site."

Kevin Thubron, of Persimmon Homes, said: "The proposals are subject to strict scrutiny by the local planning authority through the usual process.

"Any valid planning complaints will be dealt with during this process prior to any approval being given."

Bryant Homes declined to comment.