RESIDENTS living near Darlington's largest ever housing development have been told changes to roads in the area will make it a safer place to live.

People in Faverdale, near to the new West Park development, have been sent detailed plans of proposed changes to roads in the area.

The plans included a letter on behalf of developers Bussey and Armstrong, who are building hundreds of houses on the site of the former chemical factory.

The developers hope to get permission from Darlington Borough Council to divert Faverdale Road via the industrial estate on to a new roundabout, closing the existing junction at the end of Faverdale Road.

A spokesman for the developers said: "The diversion of Faverdale Road will generate a number of benefits to local residents in terms of improved safety and amenity.

"The new junction with the industrial estate and the new roundabout will provide a safer layout with improved visibility.

"This in conjunction with the new roundabout should lead to an overall improvement in safety at this location. The diversion of Faverdale Road is expected to lead to a reduction in traffic speeds and noise on the toad and this in turn should lead to improved conditions for local residents."

The plans also include new tree planting and landscaping. The council will meet to discuss the plans on September 4.