A EURO MP is to take residents' concerns over plans to build houses on a flood plain to the national planning inspectors.

Liberal Democrat NorthEast MEP Fiona Hall has criticised Yuill Homes' appeal against the refusal of plans to re-develop Croft House, in Hurworth Place, near Darlington.

The plans became contentious in 2008 when - a year after outline permission to develop Croft House was granted - the Environment Agency rated the site as the highest level of flood risk.

The company now needs detailed permission to start work, but this was refused by Darlington Borough Council in August, prompting the appeal. Residents have started a campaign against the development, enlisting support from Ms Hall and ward councillor Martin Swainston.

Now, Ms Hall has questioned the validity of builder seeking to amend the original plans in the appeal.

She argues that, if the developer seeks to change the plans, it should follow standard procedure and submit a fresh application, taking account of new flooding guidelines.

But the developer, which wants to build two detached and 13 town houses, says that the changes it has submitted with the appeal would help address some concerns raised by residents.

Nigel Bell, land and development director at Yuill Homes, said: "The planning delays have resulted in an inevitable deterioration of the condition and appearance of Croft House.

"We hope matters will be resolved in order that works can commence."

But Ms Hall said: "I share local residents' concern that the development could increase the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

"I trust that, if Yuill Homes is seeking to modify its plans, it will follow proper procedure and resubmit its application so it can be assessed in line with the latest flood model."

Coun Swainston has also called for Yuill to withdraw its appeal and put in a new application, using the 2008 flood model.

"They should start with a blank piece of paper, " he said.

"This has been hanging over residents' heads for five years now.

"They are playing a very disingenuous game with people's property and people's mental health."

The appeal will be heard at a public inquiry at a date to be arranged. Anyone who would like to make representations should send three copies of their letter, marked with the reference APP/N1350/A/10/ 2142870/NWF, to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/18a Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.