AN empty plot of land next to Durham Tees Valley Airport is to be transformed into a housing estate.

The Lancaster House building, which was part of the RAF buildings on the wider airport site, is believed to have been constructed in the early 1940s along with hangars, an officer’s mess and military accommodation at the airport.

The building was demolished more than three years ago and the majority of the associated buildings have been cleared, according documents put before Darlington Borough Council's planning committee.

Residents from neighbouring Middleton St George submitted several objections to the scheme including concerns about additional traffic and overdevelopment of the area.

Stephen Mitchell said: "There has been no evidence of a housing shortfall. The school at Middleton St George is full, even before you consider the people moving into the 350 homes being built nearby."

Ward councillor Doris Jones, who represents Middleton St George on the local authority, asked: "Why are we considering installing bus stops when there is no buses going along Yarm Road? I wold like to speak to somebody about the S106 contribution (which is used to fund amenity improvements for residents affected by a planning application) that has been offered by the applicant.

"I am very interested in the bus stops, hopefully the applicant has spoken to Arriva to get buses running across the area every 30 minutes."

The committee were assured that the applicant is making a contribution to improving transport links and funding street lighting in the vicinity of the proposed estate.

Members approved the scheme for outline planning permission for 55 houses.