A MINI-community is being planned on land on the outskirts of Darlington close to the proposed West Park estate.

The plans comprise a two-storey block of 14 apartments, shops and a GP's surgery and car parking on land next to Alverton Drive at Faverdale.

Outline plans for a huge development at West Park, just across the A68 from the Alverton Drive site, received a boost recently when the Government Office for the North East decided not to call them in for inspection.

And the extra facilities the latest plans, submitted by Teesside firm Ingleby Barwick Land and Property Developments, would provide are seen as an added boost to the area, which lacks shops and other amenities.

Residents welcomed the plans. Elaine Duncan said: "We desperately need some shops. It's not too far to walk into Cockerton for most people, but what about those who can't make it that far on their own?"

A spokesman for the developer said the apartments would be similar to those near Darlington Memorial Hospital.

"It will be good for the area to have services at hand, instead of trailing to Cockerton or Darlington town centre for a loaf of bread or to visit a doctor," he said.

The West Park development is in its final stages of planning, with developers Bussey and Armstrong in talks with the council to finalise detailed proposals.

As well as up to 600 homes, it will provide a new mental health centre, to replace the Memorial's Pierremont Unit. A new home for Mowden Park Rugby Club is also planned for the West Park site.

The development is scheduled to take ten years to complete.

The latest plans are expected to come before the planning committee soon, after public consultation in the area.