COUNCILLORS have agreed to a development consisting of 16 homes in Middleton St George, near Darlington, despite protests that the village is becoming overcrowded.

D W Needham Van and Plant Hire's application to build the homes on its site were approved by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee yesterday.

Councillor Doris Jones, Mayor of Darlington, spoke against the proposal on behalf of residents.

She said Middleton St George had become over-developed and that the village primary school was already overcrowded.

Class sizes at the school were up to 37 and more housing would place an even greater strain on places, she said.

Councillor Gerald Lee agreed, saying: "I do have a lot of sympathy with Middleton St George and I can understand why Coun Jones is arguing against this application."

But council leader John Williams supported the application, saying: "This is a brownfield site in the true definition in planning terms.

"We need to realise that by developing brownfield sites like this we are protecting the real countryside."

Coun Williams said: "We are aware of the educational problems in Middleton St George and the cabinet will be considering a report that will address that issue in the next few days."

Because the site lies outside the development limits for the village in the Darlington borough local plan, the application will be referred to the Deputy Prime Minister's office for a final decision.