A PROPOSAL to build a house and garage in a conservation area has been refused for the seventh time in 29 years.

Six previous applications for residential developments in Hermitage Place, Norton, Stockton, were refused, but the same applicant put another proposal before Stockton Borough Council on Monday.

The application to build a house on a plot of land in front of seven terraced houses in Hermitage Place was last rejected in September 2000.

Planning officials then considered that the house had unsatisfactory access; would be detrimental to those living in Hermitage Place; and would damage the conservation area.

The first application in 1972 was for two semi-detached bungalows and five garages.

There were further proposals for two bungalows and garages, one bungalow and garage, and a four-bedroomed house and garage.

The latest application moved the house further to one side of the land and introduced landscaping to hide it from existing homes.

However, the council's Historic Buildings officer again objected to the application, claiming it would be out of character with the Victorian terraced houses on the road, and would damage the conservation area.

One resident from Hermitage Place complained about the application, as did a resident from the nearby street, The Green.

A council spokesman said: "The proposed development is little different from the last submission.

"It will be clearly detrimental to the character and appearance of the Norton conservation area.

"It would also have an adverse impact on the amenities of the adjacent residents.

"It also presents serious highway concourse, given the restricted nature of the access to the site."