CONTROVERSIAL plans by Darlington Borough Council to build 12 affordable flats on green space have been refused by its own planning committee.

The proposals to build the three storey buildings close to Cocker Beck, off Eggleston View, in Darlington, were described by councillors as being out of keeping in the local landscape and on a site unsuitable for development.

The Friends of Cocker Beck had fought vehemently against the proposals and produced a number of pictures showing that the beck was prone to flooding in the area close to the proposed development.

The council had initially proposed building 24 flats on the site but reduced the number to 12 following public outcry.

Planning officer Dave Coates told the meeting that his department had not resubmitted the plans “glibly” and added: “”It was done by the proper process and by trying to reach a compromise – the application is the outcome of that. There is a need for affordable council units in Branksome.”

Mr Coates said the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water had both indicated there was no flood risk on the site but acknowledged anecdotal evidence that flooding was an issue in the area.

Councillor David Regan, ward member for Cockerton West, spoke about the flood risk and also argued that three storey buildings would be out of character for Branksome.

Jan Needham, from the Friends, said the group understood the pressures the council was facing from central government to provide more affordable housing but added: “That does not excuse decision making that’s outside of policy just to meet targets.”

Ms Needham pointed out that in 2011 and 2012, the council had stated that the land next to Eggleston View was unsuitable for development and would be an incursion into green space.

However, in 2013, it was deemed suitable for development.

Ms Needham said: “Nothing had changed in the landscape in that year. The only thing that had changed was central government policy demanding more housing. The Friends have serious concerns about that decision and believes this land should remain unsuitable for development.”

Committee chairman Paul Baldwin recommended the application for refusal, saying: “Flooding is an issue but the main thing for me is that there is nothing within two miles of this site that is three stories high. It would be so out of character.”

Cllr Jan Cossins, ward member for Cockerton West, said: “We do need affordable homes in Branksome but I just can’t agree on this site. It’s not the last piece of land in Branksome, there must be other places to build.”