A HOUSING developer hopes to increase the number of properties it builds on a brownfield site close to Darlington.

Developer George Wimpey North-East received planning permission in October to build 84 homes on the C N Hadley industrial site, in Middleton St George.

Amended plans have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council's development and environment department to increase the number of houses on the site to 102.

A council spokesman said the move comes after Wimpey acquired more land on the site.

While concern has previously been voiced by people in the village about the number of houses being built, councillor Doris Jones, who represents the village on the borough council, said Wimpey is working in partnership with them.

She said that the developer is investing thousands of pounds into Middleton St George, to improve outdoor spaces for younger people, improve road safety in the village square, create a floodlit footpath and carry out a £5,000 tree planting scheme.

"We feel, for once, that they are playing ball with the village and giving something back," she said.

"They are working in partnership with the parish and we are happy to do that because realistically we cannot stop the development from going ahead.

"We don't honestly want more housing in the area, but if it is the choice between that and a derelict site then we are happy to comply."