PROTESTORS whose battle against a proposed road being laid through a field appeared lost earlier this week are planning a legal challenge.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee approved plans for the site, off Barmpton Lane, Barmpton, near Darlington, on Tuesday.

Committee chairman, Councillor Frank Robson, cast the deciding vote, causing furious protests.

Opponents, including the Green Party and the Council for the Protection of Rural England, feared more rural crime and damage to the area would result from the scheme.

Councillors heard it would improve access to Skerningham Manor, which is being developed as a countryside gateway site.

Brian Pavey, who opposes the plan, said: "I have today, on behalf of all the people, lodged a complaint about the council."

He said the Local Government Ombudsman and the Environment Agency would receive complaints, and some residents would be considering hiring lawyers.

"At the end of the day, we can still have this overturned, if it is found to be a travesty of justice -which it is," he said.

A council spokeswoman said the authority would not comment until Mr Pavey had been contacted.