PROPOSALS to build 70 new homes on the edge of a village have been met with criticism from local residents concerned about the impact on local facilities.

Avant Homes has put together plans to build the new house in West Rainton, on land to the north of Benridge Bank, close to the A690.

It held a public exhibition in West Rainton yesterday to allow residents to give their feedback on the proposals.

County councillor Bill Kellett, who represents the area, said: “I’ve spoken to the parish council and members of the public and everyone is concerned about the development.

“Bearing in mind we have a planning application approved for Station Road and this one, there are a number of objections.

“The school is inadequate, as are the medical services. There is also the junction with the A690 – there are regular accidents.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to is against it and I’m supporting the local residents on this one. They are making a small village into a town and the facilities aren’t there.”

Resident Alice Leak, who lives opposite the proposed development site, said: “There’s too many houses for the site and for the size of the village.

“The entrance is coming out exactly opposite my house and there’s no pavement so at 83 I’m going to have to step off the grass verge where there are cars coming in and out. I’ll be killed.

“I just can’t understand it and I haven’t found anyone in support.”

An Avant Homes spokesperson said: “We found the public consultation very productive, and were pleased to discuss the innovative homes we intend to build in West Rainton with local residents.

“After our conversations with them at the meeting, we are now looking forward to working closely with the local planning authority to deliver much-needed new homes for the area.”

Display boards say the homes would be in a mix of styles and sizes to meet a range of needs and the proposal would include open spaces, including ponds and other drainage features and a new access point.

In 2014, developers Tees Valley Housing was granted permission to build up to 150 houses on 11 hectares of farm land off Station Road.