A CONTROVERSIAL and heated planning row has taken another twist after a villager claimed a businessman has used "retaliation" tactics.

Residents in Sadberge, near Darlington, have campaigned against the plans for an agricultural training centre since they first emerged at the start of the year.

Now a red horse box has been parked in front of the lounge window of David Lee, who has been one of the main protagonists against the plans.

Mr Lee was one of more than 100 residents, as well as the parish council and borough ward councillor Brian Jones, who opposed the plans for the education base, which would teach disengaged teenagers.

Mr Lee said the horse box, at the top of a track adjacent to his house, blocks the view from his lounge window.

Mr Lee said: "This is the only bungalow in Sadberge which is adjacent to the field.

"On August 20, a large red horse box was positioned just outside our lounge window."

He has enlisted the help of Councillor Jones, who said he intends to write to landowner John Littlefair.

Coun Jones said: "This is totally unnecessary.

"He has 42 acres of land, but Mr Littlefair or his employees decided to park a trailer outside someone's window.

"Quite frankly it is shocking.

"Mr Littlefair is seeking some kind of revenge on an elderly couple who spoke out against his application."

Mr Littlefair said the truck had been moved to a hard-standing, secure area of his site before forecast rains prevented it from being moved.

He said: "There is nothing malicious about this."

He said he would consult with the Lees to find a more appropriate and safe place to park the horse box.

Councillors turned down the initial plans for the training centre when they were put before them earlier this year.

Residents are also concerned about other work taking place on the land.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "The land owner has been given eight weeks to submit a new planning application.

"No action will be taken until then."