PROPOSALS to build a housing development on a former industrial plant have been refused by councillors because of a lack of affordable homes.

St Modwen Ventures Limited wanted to build 250 homes on the former Corus works in Whessoe Road, Darlington.

However, they were unable to agree with council agents on the value of the land and as a result did not include any affordable homes.

Councillors on the planning committee agreed with their officers to refuse the application because of the lack of affordable homes as well as provision for local facilities including bus stops, play areas and money towards education.

The outline application for the development, which was for 214 houses and 36 flats, was first publicised in December.

At a residents meeting, 33 people from 34 who filled out a questionnaire said they were in favour of the scheme.

The application was submitted in March. Agent Dan Mitchell said he expected an agreement could have been reached within another two weeks, but had the item been deferred, St Modwen would have been able to appeal on grounds of non-determination within 13 weeks.

Mr Mitchell said: "We feel we are very close to resolving this. We have put forward an outline application to seek the principle of housing on the land.

"We have simply run out of time. We have had to cram 13 weeks of worth into nine."

Panel member councillor Charles Johnson said: "If ever a site in Darlington needed redeveloping, it is this one. I am sure the residents must have clapped their hands when the application came in."

Mr Mitchell warned a new application could cost up to £8,000 to resubmit adding a further threat to the viability of the scheme.