ARCHAEOLOGISTS could disrupt the building of two houses on the outskirts of Darlington.

Outline planning permission is to be granted by Darlington Borough Council for the houses at land, near East Lea, Little Stainton.

The site, however, lies within an area of archaeological remains associated with the medieval village of Little Stainton.

Planners have now asked that two weeks' notice be given by developers to Durham County Council's archaeology officer.

Work will then not be able to start on the houses until the two-week notice period is completed.

Because the area is of high archaeological potential an archaeologist will also be required to have access to the site at all reasonable times.

This is to observe the excavations and to record any items of interest and historical finds.

In a report to Darlington council's planning applications committee Durham County Council's archaeological consultant says: "I would be grateful if an access condition could be included in any planning permission granted in order to allow for emergency recording of any unexpected finds that may be made.

"This approach has worked well on other sites in the village where much medieval pottery has turned up during stripping.