DEVELOPERS have been given permission to build family homes on the site of a former village primary school.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee approved plans submitted by Newcastle-based Reiver Homes for 16 three, four and five-bedroomed detached homes on the former Sadberge Primary School, near Darlington.

Committee member Councillor Bill Stenson said the design of the houses was out of keeping with the village.

He said: "They look like town houses to me. I think they are pathetic. To me, it's not right - it doesn't fit into the village. They should go back to the drawing board."

Committee chairman Paul Baldwin told Coun Stenson the committee was not there to design houses.

However, a public request for a one-way system in Norton Road was rejected because it was feared that traffic would speed.

The scheme has been supported by Sadberge Parish Council and villagers after the developer consulted them over the plans.

There was only one complaint - one resident said the village's infrastructure could not support any more homes.

Reiver Homes will provide money for play areas and £30,000 to improve the village bus route.

The primary school was shut in July 2004. It was demolished two years later. Pupils moved to Middleton St George Primary School.