VILLAGERS took to the streets yesterday in protest at plans for a major housing development in the heart of their community.

Residents of Romanby, near Northallerton, are furious at revised proposals that could see nearly 100 new homes built on the site of an old county council depot.

Barratt York has applied to Hambleton District Council for permission to build 99 residential units, including three-storey properties.

The company originally submitted plans for the development in April, but residents of nearby Manor Green, Richmond Rise and Grange Close objected.

They claimed the development was out of character with the area and would lead to the loss of their privacy.

The developers were ordered back to the drawing board after the council's planning chiefs agreed with residents' concerns.

But now, the amended scheme, which provides more open areas, looks likely to be given the go-ahead at a planning meeting on Thursday.

Romanby parish councillor Harold Bartram, who has lived in the village for more than 40 years, said about 30 people turned out yesterday to voice concerns.

"The whole of the village is upset about this - we have never objected to the development of the site, but surely it must not be on this scale," he said. "The same concerns that we had when this was refused at the last meeting still apply now.

"This is not a town or a city, it is a rural area, and an elevated site like this is just going to be an eyesore for the village."

However, planning officer Helen Laws, who is dealing with the application, is recommending it for approval.

In her report to councillors, she says: "It is considered that, although the proposed development is of a high density, the scheme comprises open areas, which result in a less cramped and over-developed layout.

"Many of the dwellings are two-and-a-half and three-storey, and therefore are tall structures, but in most cases these are sited to have a minimum effect on existing residents."