PEOPLE opposed to a three-storey flat development are organising their protest.

Home owners in Egglescliffe want to block plans by George Wimpey property developers to build 24 apartments in South View, between Yarm Road and Urlay Nook Road.

Residents heard about the plans at the weekend and are concerned that the two three-storey buildings will infringe on their privacy and quality of life.

One house in South View will be demolished to make way for the development if Stockton Borough Council grants planning permission.

Doug Harrison, who lives in South View, said a public meeting on Monday helped drum up opposition to the plans.

He said: "Our main concern is about the overbearing nature of the development. At three storeys high we feel it will dominate the surrounding area. There are also privacy issues in that people in the higher floors will be able to look down into our properties.

"There is no natural high screening planned and we feel the noise coming from the flats would impact on us."

Stockton council's planning department received the plans for two blocks of two-bedroomed apartments last Friday.

If given the go-ahead the development will cover a third of a hectare.

A spokesman for George Wimpey North East said: "The company feels they cannot really comment on a proposed development at this stage of the planning procedure."