PROPOSALS to increase the size of a housing development have been refused planning permission despite council officers recommending that they be approved.

Persimmon Homes North-East already has approval from Derwentside District Council to build 60 homes on land south of Castlehills, Castleside, near Consett.

But the firm wanted to build a further 11 houses, despite traffic safety fears from nearby residents.

Protestors argued that a children's play area would have to be built on, and that young children would have to cross the A692 road to reach an alternative playground.

Eight letters of objection were sent to the council. Healeyfield Parish Council also opposed the extension on traffic safety grounds.

Last year, the council refused the company's application to build 75 homes on the site after receiving a petition signed by more than 100 residents opposed to the scheme.

The firm lodged an appeal, the outcome of which is awaited.

Campaigner Craig Barne said Persimmon Homes should be satisfied with the 60 homes.

He said: "We were very pleased that this was unanimously rejected by the councillors, but there is still a lot of worry about this appeal.

"We will continue to oppose this for as long as it takes."