1,000 homes and new schools could be built near Darlington

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee will discuss plans to build 985 houses and create space for a primary school, early years' school and sports pitches on land south of Staindrop Road.

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There are also proposals to build in excess of 500 homes on land to the north of Coniscliffe Road.

The planning committee will also make a decision on plans to build about 260 homes on land to the west and south of Station Road in Middleton St George.

The latest proposals come as a number of parish councils seek to get more control over the amount of development in their area with the approval of neighbourhood plans.

In Low Coniscliffe and Merrybent, residents have approved the passing of their neighbourhood plan, with more than 94 per cent in favour, following a referendum which saw a turnout of just over 46 per cent.

Parish councillor Margaret Ellerton said: "We are all delighted that after almost three years of hard work and dedicated commitment we have been successful.

"We now look forward to the neighbourhood plan giving the community the opportunity to plan for our local area, to decide what the place we live in should look like, and define how our parish should grow and change in the future."

Middleton St George Parish Council are also seeking comments from residents on their draft vision and objectives for their new neighbourhood plan. On behalf of the parish council, Alan Mcnab, parish clerk, said: "Prior to the boundary changes in 2016, the former MSG Parish Council prepared a draft neighbourhood plan.

"As a result of the change in the parish boundary we have needed to review the previous work to ensure a new plan both reflects the new parish boundary as well as changes in planning policy. The engagement and evidence work that was previously undertaken will inform the preparation of the new neighbourhood plan.

"The previous work and feedback from the local community has helped us to develop a draft vision and objectives for your neighbourhood plan.

"We need your feedback to ensure that the neighbourhood plan reflects your views."

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More information and online surveys can be found at www.middleton-st-george.org.uk.