A CONSERVATION action group has lodged complaints with council officials who allowed a modern flats development to be built.

At Eaglescliffe, residents who live in Victorian homes are outraged that planning officers ignored the fact that it is a conservation area and are considering action with the local authority ombudsman.

A Stockton Borough Council planning meeting heard how a blunder had been made when the council failed to consult residents about the development.

Plans were submitted to extend the flats in Station Road, Eaglescliffe, and without residents knowing, permission was granted and work started.

The application was approved in May last year, but after the mistake was spotted, it was re-submitted last month.

However, the owner of the property had already started work on the two-storey extension.

The planning committee meeting voted in favour of the bid after a controversial deciding vote was left with chairman Dick Cains.

Residents were allowed to voice their objections that the flats were not in keeping with the Victorian character of the area, and the extension would overlook nearby Swinburne Road.

Members of Eaglescliffe Preservation Action Group have submitted numerous letters of complaint to the council.

Win Campbell, a member of the group, said: "This was more of a legal decision rather than a planning issue.

"If they ruled against the development, they would have to pay compensation to the builder because he was given the right to start work.

"We feel completely let down by the council - why have conservation areas if planning is given to uncharacteristic developments like this?"

A report to the planning committee said: "Due to an administration error, neighbours were not formally consulted on the application, although a site notice was erected on Station Road with no objections received."

In response to the complaints, Stockton council said: "The planning authority consulted residents as soon as the error came to light and took the decision to reconsider the application afresh, bringing the matter before members for a determination.

"By taking this action the local authority addressed any injustice the residents may have felt about the determination of the application."