WHAT'S in a name? Is back-land always brownfield? Of course not. Backland Developments, however, a firm whose speciality is to build homes on large gardens previously inaccessible behind splendid Victorian or Edwardian houses, would probably like the two terms to be invariably regarded as synonymous.

Certainly, in its choice of name, the company is being upfront about its intentions. But its activities, and those of other developers in Durham, North Yorkshire and, especially, the greener Teesside suburbs, are raising hackles among people concerned about our built environment.

As always, there is the task of distinguishing objective criticism from nimbyism.

One of the Government's most sensible policies is that a high proportion of new building should be on brownfield sites, largely land vacated by industry or commerce. Local authorities should be pre-disposed to refuse permission for virgin sites. That is a policy muddied by the proposal to plant ten ecotowns in open countryside, although that is a controversy that for the moment does not affect the North-East directly.

A difficulty with brownfields is that many are in rundown areas where people would prefer not to live and where developers do not build the upmarket homes that fetch high prices. The back and front land to big old houses in nice areas, such as those lining the busy Stockton-Yarm road - whose fate is exercising the Tory candidate for Stockton South, James Wharton - is therefore seen as the more profitable alternative.

Ideal brownfield sites do exist.

It is good news that the abandoned former borstal that for years has defaced the approach to Gainford, in County Durham, now seems set for de luxe conversion and new build. In Darlington, in the desirable West End, pleasing looks, high-tree screening and one-way access have made the bitterly opposed Greystones development an example of back-land vindication.

The latter seems to be way ahead: each case to be judged by the planning committee strictly on merit, with modest height, low density, superior design and enlightened traffic-engineering the key criteria. We need many more homes. But not at any price.