NEIGHBOURS of a proposed footpath feel like their opinions were discounted after plans were approved by an officer.

Durham County Council’s application for the footpath linking Stanhope station to the town centre had been due before a planning committee after a request by Weardale county councillor John Shuttleworth.

But on the day it was due to be discussed, it was bumped from the agenda and a week later approved by a planning officer under delegated powers.

It had originally been due to be decided by an officer but was moved to committee at Coun. Shuttleworth’s request.

However, The Northern Echo understands that Coun. Shuttleworth was deemed to have a personal interest as his partner lives next to the proposed footpath and was one of numerous residents along Wear Terrace to oppose it.

Coun. Shuttleworth said: “This is not my personal interest, I don’t live there but these people are up in arms over it and I am here to represent them.

“The council have not been fair to the people and these residents were denied the right to speak about something they object to.”

Other residents, who also handed in a petition against the plan, said they felt dismissed after they could not put their objections in front of a planning committee.

Resident Neil Morton said he felt that the residents’ views had been ignored in the name of regeneration.

The council claims the new footpath will provide a vital link to the town centre for visitors using the Weardale Railway.

Mr Morton said: “It’s not the railway users that cause us concern but the fact this path will be open all the time and will become a thoroughfare for people.

“It will ruin the dynamic of this area and will be a draw for anti-social behaviour.

“Why should regeneration be more important than residents’ quality of life?

“We do not feel that we have been listened to.”

Colette Longbottom, head of legal and democratic services, said the council’s constitution is clear about councillor requests.

“In this case it was clear that this councillor’s request for calling it to committee did not comply with the constitution and it was right for an officer to make the decision”, she said.