A FORMER village primary school is to be converted into a new housing estate with 16 large family homes.

Residents and parish councillors in Sadberge, near Darlington, have been given their first chance to view the development.

Developers Reiver Homes, of Newcastle, held an exhibition and public consultation in the village at the end of last week.

The development on the former Sadberge Primary School, in Norton Crescent, will include semi-detached and detached homes.

They will range from three-bedroom to five-bedroom and include 32 car parking spaces.

Residents at the consultation event said they were largely happy with the proposals, although they did raise a number of concerns regarding traffic, parking and sewage.

Villager Derek Irwin said: "I'm not objecting to it, but I suggest we have two or three bedroom-houses, not four or five for people wanting to get on the ladder."

Another resident said: "I have just moved across the road and knew this was coming. It doesn't look too bad."

The developers will consider residents' concerns and report back to the parish council later this month.

Parish council chairman Millie Scaife said: "Traffic on Norton Crescent remains a concern. It is a narrow road.

"The increase in traffic from the extra houses will be a problem.

"The general concept seemed to be well received."

Scott Thompson, from the architects, said: "People have liked the style of it. It is in keeping with the rest of Sadberge.

"If we can meet a happy medium between the council, the residents and ourselves, we will have met our needs."

A full planning application will be submitted after the parish council meeting. He hoped building could start by the autumn.

Exploratory excavation and architectural surveys will start today on the site.

Sadberge Primary School closed in July 2004, and was demolished early last year.

The playing fields behind the old school will be kept as a football pitch, with junior side Middleton Rangers expected to use them as their home ground.