DEVELOPERS hoping to create an outdoor leisure facility will decide this week whether to appeal against a council decision to refuse planning permission.

Willmott Dixon Construction had hoped to create a leisure facility including a riding school and fitness trail on land at Woodham Bridge, on the outskirts of Woodham, Newton Aycliffe.

But Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee refused the company planning permission for the scheme at a meeting last Friday, after hearing objections from people concerned about access and parking.

The 21.9 hectare scheme, which also included a golf driving range, had been amended from earlier plans to include a single access from the A167 trunk road.

Although the alterations had allayed the fears of the Highways Agency, Durham County Council's highways department continued to object because of the potential for accidents. It said the plan "does not relate well to Newton Aycliffe".

Great Aycliffe Town Council objected because of flooding problems, access worries and adverse affect on protected wildlife species.

It said it would be also be detrimental to the amenities for people in nearby homes.

In addition to 26 letters of objection from local people, concerns were expressed by the county council's planning policy section, and the borough council's landscape, policy and plans and highways sections.

At Friday's meeting, councillors agreed with an officer's recommendation to refuse the plans because of the highways department's fears.

The Willmott Dixon Construction director responsible for the project, David Salkeld, said: "Obviously, we are disappointed by the decision and we are just going to take a little while to consider our position."

He said professional advisors would be consulted and a decision was expected later this week.