PLANS to build stables for breeding horses in a quiet village have been turned down - despite approval from planners.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee said they could not give the go-ahead to proposals for the business in Redmarshall because there was insufficient detail.

David Holmes, who bought the land 11 years ago, had applied for permission for two stable blocks, with birthing areas, in the field off Kirk Hall.

But the plans led to numerous objections from villagers, as well as Redmarshall Parish Council and Carlton Parish Council.

Residents said the land was as little as 5ft away from the rear walls of their homes. They feared the enterprise would lead to additional traffic and noise, and nuisance from the horses.

Planning officers had recommended that the application be approved, provided the business aspect was linked with a new four-bedroom house on the land, built by Mr Holmes, as they would have shared access.

But councillors were not convinced.

Coun Jenny Beaumont said there was no mention in the report about the disposal of horse manure, or where it was to be stored prior to removal.

She also questioned how many horses would have been kept on the land.

Coun Maureen Rigg queried where the food stores would be. She said if the plans were agreed, she feared the constant need for enforcement in the future.

Coun Beaumont said: "It's rejected on the basis there is no business plan and no details of any waste storage or hay storage. We are missing so many details."

Afterwards, resident Margaret Kirton, who lives next to the site, said she was delighted.

"I was objecting to the impact on my house, with the traffic and large vehicles coming in," she said.

"Stables have always been there, but it was the impact on my life, with all the traffic associated with the business and living in close proximity to it, that I was against."

Mr Holmes is now awaiting the outcome of a second application, to build ten two- and three-bedroom housing association properties on the land, to which residents are also opposed.

He is already appealing against the council's refusal of permission to build 21 houses on the plot.