PLANS to build two semi-detached cottages in a village near Darlington are being recommended for approval despite objections from villagers and parish councillors.

The planning application for land adjacent to 3 The Green, Bishopton, is to be considered by Darlington Borough Council's planning applications committee on Wednesday.

The scheme includes two semi-detached garages at the rear of the proposed homes.

A second application, submitted with the building plans, requests conservation area consent to demolish a barn and garage on the site.

Seven letters of objection have been received about the scheme.

Bishopton Parish Council has also expressed concern about the realignment of an access road, the height of the properties and the over-development of the area.

English Nature has also objected, saying the site is an area where bats roost, and wants to carry out a survey to establish the implications of the development on that issue.

However, a report to borough councillors from the authority's planning officers states that the proposed access would stay within the confines of the existing track across the village green.

The officers also say that an investigation has been undertaken by the Durham Bat Group, which indicated there was no evidence of bats in either the barn or garage on the site.

Both applications are recommended for approval.