RESIDENTS have been called to a public meeting to discuss controversial plans for a housing estate and industrial park in their village.

The move comes after Yuill Homes submitted an application to build 106 houses on a former sawmills site, in Wolsingham.

The plans sparked outrage in the village last month with residents fearing that the development would swamp their community and ruin the gateway to the Dale.

The original proposal was for 117 homes in front of Ward Terrace, with roads leading to the Weardale Railway depot, and a new industrial park, which will not be built by Yuill.

Letters have been posted to villagers living in Ward Terrace, Durham Road and Attwood Terrace informing them that the application has been submitted and giving them three weeks to voice their opinions.

Richard Wigham, who lives in Ward Terrace, said: "We have called a public meeting to keep the villagers informed about what is happening and to let them have their say. We want as many people to come along as possible."

Mr Wigham, who is on a committee with five other residents living in the affected streets, said he hopes villagers will bombard Wear Valley District Council with letters to prove that the development was not wanted.

He said: "There are just too many houses. We do not want the development anyway, but we feel they have not listened to what we have said already. Weardale is an ageing community, yet this development makes no provision for elderly people, such as bungalows."

A spokesperson for Yuill said it has listened to the people and has amended its plans, reducing the number of houses to 106 and moving the homes closest to Ward Terrace further away to give the residents bigger gardens.

She said: "We have submitted a planning application with Wear Valley District Council, but we hope to continue our dialogue with local residents as part of the ongoing planning process."

A meeting will take place tonight at Wolsingham Workingmen's Club, at 7pm.