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A DEVELOPER plans to redraw its controversial proposals for a £150m homes and office development on a golf course in the hope councillors will give their approval.

Banks Developments has withdrawn its appeal against Durham City Council's decision to reject its proposals for the Mount Oswald course in Durham City.

But it says it will re-work the plans and submit a new application later in the year.

Banks claimed its scheme would create 4,000 jobs, but it ran into a barrage of objections.

More than 130 people wrote urging councillors to refuse permission.

The Highways Agency, concerned about the development's effect on nearby roads, imposed a direction that stopped the council from granting approval.

Mark Dowdall, the firm's environment and community director, said: "The proposals we put forward for the Mount Oswald site are extremely strong but now we have more time to take a fresh look at the development options available.

"We have therefore decided to withdraw our appeal against the rejection of the initial scheme to allow us to develop amended proposals, which will take full account of the opinions expressed by a wide range of consultees.

"The revised plans that we put forward for what remains a sound development site will once again be designed to benefit both the local area and wider region economically, socially and environmentally."

Nigel Galvin, director of the golf club, said that the course and venue remain fully open.

Golf course member and opponent, Peter Jackson, said: "I would like to see it retained as a golf course. Anything that impinges on that I would anticipate objecting to."

Liberal Democrat Durham County councillor for Nevilles Cross, Nigel Martin, said: "I am delighted they have withdrawn the appeal - it was a very, very bad application and it clearly went against the criteria in the Local Plan.

"It was condemned by all the serious consultees, like One NorthEast, the county council and the Highways Agency, and local people were appalled by what was being sought.

"I can assure my constituents I shall continue to oppose any application which undermines the area and is outside what the Local Plan allows."

6:03pm Friday 9th May 2008

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