A TEAM of volunteers drafting a plan for the future of Sedgefield have dismissed a developer’s survey about what the community needs.

Earlier this week, ESRG, a UK investment company that hopes to build 461 homes on sites in Beacon Lane and Salters Lane, revealed the results of a survey which asked 200 residents the facilities they would like to see in the town.

An ice rink and a cinema topped the list of those quizzed by ESRG.

However, the Sedgefield Plan steering group claims the survey mainly targeted young people and say the number of respondents is much lower than those achieve by its community survey.

David Bowles, chairman of the steering group, said: “The community facilities that they have identified are at odds with the wishes expressed by residents of all ages in a much bigger survey carried out this year, the full results can be found at the sedgefieldplan.co.uk

“Moreover, residents in Sedgefield have made it very clear that they do not want the housing developments that are being proposed by ESRG and its partners.”

ESRG has submitted plans to develop 218 homes and a 53-bed extra care facility for land off Beacon Lane.

Designed by Gradon Architecture, the application also includes outline proposals for 243 homes near Salters Lane, a 50 bed extra care facility, business incubator, youth facility and storage area.