DARLINGTON'S planning system looks set for change - after a councillor said the rules cause "frustration and anger".

Councillor Brian Jones believes the system is weighted against objectors.

At Darlington Borough Council planning meetings, where planning permission is approved or rejected, objectors are allowed three minutes to speak.

The objections are then discussed by councillors and officers. The result can be that objectors shout over councillors.

Coun Jones, in his role as Darlington Association of Parish Councils and Parish Meetings chairman, has asked for a rule change.

Council leader John Williams, has also said things need to change.

Coun Jones said: "Objectors simply aren't given enough time. They are given three minutes and the officers or experts are given as long as they want.

"I would like to extend the time, or give the same time to officers in reply. Or, you could allow objectors to speak again."

Last month, Elaine Hunter objected to a 1km path from Stockton Road, in Great Burdon, south along the River Skerne, to Red Hall Primary School.

More than 450 people signed a petition and 48 people wrote letters, but the plan was approved.

Mrs Hunter said afterwards: "The 'listening' council invites people to the meeting to have their say - but the reality is only one person may speak, on behalf of everyone objecting, and only for three minutes. That is a whole lot of listening."

Coun Jones said yesterday: "In Elaine Hunter's case, the room was full of supporters and that caused a lot of frustration."

Coun Williams said: "Separately from Councillor Jones' very reasonable letter and request, I have already asked council planning officers to review our procedures for public involvement at meetings.

"These need to change and we want to give members of the public who wish to speak at meetings a better hearing than we do."