PROTESTORS fighting plans to build a waste transfer and recycling plant near their homes were yesterday celebrating after councillors opposed the scheme.

People living in Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, are hailing a decision by members of Teesdale District Council to recommend to Durham County Council that the plans be refused as an important victory in their battle to block the development.

Dozens of residents of all ages packed in a meeting of Teesdale council's development control committee to hear members discuss the controversial plans.

On Tuesday, residents held a demonstration as councillors made a site visit to Stainton Grove.

All but two members of the development control committee voted against a motion that the council recommend the application by Premier Waste Management is approved with conditions, with many councillors claiming the development is contrary to the Teesdale Local Plan.

Councillor William Salvin's motion that Teesdale council recommend to the county council that the application is refused because it is not in accordance with the Teesdale Local Plan was passed by members.

Many councillors felt that the residents had not been consulted sufficiently and that such a development should not be built close to a housing estate.

Councillor Peter Stubbs said: "I fully oppose this application.

"The residents have not really been consulted. It's the wrong place for this sort of development.

"Surely there must be other sites it could be built."

Peter Wilkinson was given five minutes to speak on behalf of the residents, and questioned some of the points made in the planning officers' report, which recommended the application be approved.

Speaking after the meeting, Ruth Renton, of the residents' action group, said: "This is a major battle we have won and it shows the councillors have listened to the voice of the residents. Now we have to do the same against the county council.

"Believe me, there will be plenty more protests and we will fight this all the way. Today has been a massive boost for our cause."

The application will be decided by the county council at a meeting next month.