DURHAM'S MP has objected to plans to increase the size of a controversial village housing development.

Gerry Steinberg is backing campaigners at West Rainton, who are fighting proposals by Wimpey Homes and Bryant Homes to build 308 houses near Rainton Gate.

Last year, Durham City Council rejected the companies' application for 193 homes and an appeal is likely to be heard later this year.

But in the meantime they have submitted proposals for a larger development.

Villagers are against the development because it will greatly increase the size of the village and, they fear, cause traffic problems.

They are particularly worried that a proposed new junction on the busy A690 will be controlled by traffic lights.

Eleven years ago, a planning inspector ruled that a grade separated junction should be built when he allowed an appeal over a previous scheme.

Developers rejected that as too costly but Durham County Council has decided that traffic lights would be acceptable.

Mr Steinberg said the revised proposals were "even more unacceptable'' than the smaller development.

He said: "The large increase in the number of houses will have a significant impact on the village and traffic levels. The proposal will extend the boundary of West Rainton and drastically alter the character of the village forever.''

He warned that approval of the development could pave the way for even more houses being built in the future.

The MP also backed the original ruling on the junction.

"If a flyover or underpass was essential in 1991, the volume of traffic makes it absolutely crucial today.

"Traffic lights may be cheaper for the developer but are not an acceptable alternative to those who will have to live with the consequences of the proposal."

Mr Steinberg added: "I am also genuinely concerned that a significant amount of traffic will divert through the village to avoid the traffic lights, providing an additional negative impact on the village and its residents."

He said he had urged that there be no relaxation of the conditions imposed by the planning inspector.

Durham City Council's development control committee is expected to consider the application later this year.