A COUNCILLOR has called for a halt on housebuilding in one of County Durham's biggest housing areas.

Councillor Tony Moore says Newton Aycliffe has enough houses and it is time to stop building on greenfields.

Chesterfield-based Broseley Homes has applied for planning permission to build 41 detached and semi-detached houses off Burnhill Way.

The proposed houses, near The Turbinia pub, would all have garages or space for two cars.

But Coun Moore says he is backing residents who claim there is no need for housing in that area. He said he would speak against the application when it comes before Sedgefield Borough Council.

"Residents are going up the wall about this application and I'm fully supporting them.

"It's a nice open area in front of existing housing and I just feel that we should be keeping open spaces for the benefit of the community.

"I think we have enough housing in Newton Aycliffe.

"Shildon is crying out for private housing, but they won't get any while we keep giving them greenfield sites to build on. The planners really have to say enough is enough," he said.