SHEPHERD Homes have been dubbed as 'the neighbours from hell' after submitting revised plans to build 41 flats in Darlington's west end.

In April, councillors voted eight-two against proposals to site four blocks of four-storey apartments in the grounds of Greystones in Carmel Road North, after receiving an unprecedented 250 letters of personal objection.

About 80 mature trees marking an important woodland site for some rare species were to be felled and campaigners from the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) stepped in to oppose the application.

But undeterred, Shepherd Homes have appealed against the decision and re-submitted a further planning application to the council detailing only minor alterations to plots 31-36, pathways and car parking.

Mr David Hayward, spokesman for the local residents campaign group, told the D&S Times: "We strongly believe that council officers will recommend approval because it could cost the council up to £50,000 to fight the appeal.

"Shepherd Homes are using dirty tricks, subterfuge and bullying tactics in what is a clear threat to the council - approve the second application or it will cost you dearly."

Mr Don Jones, who lives next door to the development site, said: "Shepherd Homes are the neighbours from hell. By changing one blade of grass on the application they kick off the whole planning process again. But we will fight on because clearly the people of Darlington do not want this development and neither do the councillors."

A spokesman for Shepherd Homes, refuted the claims. He said: "We have more than doubled the distance of Villa B to a sycamore tree that objectors were concerned about and have worked with the local authority to meet all planning guidelines.

"If the revised plan is passed by the council it will make the process quicker and potentially cheaper for the local authority than dealing with an appeal."