A LOCAL authority is facing accusations of being biased against the gipsy community.

An appeal against Darlington Borough Council's decision to prevent land in Hurworth being used as a private gypsy site will be heard later this year.

Geoff Watson, who sought permission to accommodate relatives on land off Roundhill Road, launched an appeal in September. The hearing will be at the Dolphin Centre on April 8.

Part of Mr Watson's argument will be that it is "predominantly biased against any further gipsy site provision in the area."

He says the council's Local Plan does not conform to Government advice that authorities should identify land suitable for gypsy sites.

The council has defended itself against the criticism, saying it takes its responsibility to the travelling community very seriously.

A spokeswoman said: "We deal with any planning application in an independent way, following national, regional and local planning guidelines.

"We take our responsibilities to the travelling community seriously and already have two well-established sites in the borough.

"This particular appeal is now in the hands of the planning inspectorate, who will look at the situation independently and work through the due process to reach a decision."