RESIDENTS have asked to meet with developers in an ongoing row over a house which was built too high.

Homeowners in Ingleby Barwick said they have never been granted a meeting, or even a conversation, with Charles Church builders over the offending five-bedroom house, which stands behind their properties.

Last summer, Stockton Borough Council planning committee refused to grant retrospective planning permission for the £350,000 house, which is 30cm higher than neighbouring ones.

Councillors said Charles Church had simply flouted planning permission and should be made to pull it down and start again.

But the developer lost an appeal against the decision, and has now submitted another application in a bid to rectify the height problem.

The builder has already removed one kitchen window at the back of the house, installing it at the side instead.

The view from the utility window has been partially blocked with frosted glass.

The main problem now lies with the patio area at the side of the house, which, if used, could enable people to see over the fence and into neighbouring gardens and homes.

As a result, Charles Church has now applied for permission to lower that area to fall in line with other properties, and has promised to plant trees and shrubs which will also block any view.

But resident Nick Matthews, who owns a five-bedroom house built by the same builder directly behind in Brougham Close, said he was still unhappy.

"It's getting ridiculous," he said.

"They just keep putting in more applications, thinking they can get away with it. In the beginning, I called them a number of times, and we have asked if we can be party to any meetings they have with Stockton planners, but each time we have had nothing back.

"They have never discussed it with us. We want to sit down around a table with them to see if we can come to a conclusion that everyone is happy with."

Ingleby Barwick Coun Ken Dixon said: "I think the builders are trying to undo something that is not able to be undone.

"It's out of keeping with the rest of the area. I want Charles Church to discuss the matter with residents."

But Peter Jordan, regional projects director for Persimmon and Charles Church, said they would consult with residents further down the line.

"I have worked on all sides of the planning fence and we feel we must do things through the correct planning procedures," he said.

"An error has been made that needs to be put right. We have tried to resolve it through the proper planning process.

"With this application, the overlooking has been removed, so I would hope that it would equal peace and harmony."