SENIOR councillors have approved plans to sell off almost 50 acres of land to address a predicted shortage of future housing in Darlington borough.

Members of Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet agreed yesterday evening (Tuesday, February 4) to release the land for development in what council leader Bill Dixon said was “not a bad thing” as it showed the borough was thriving and expanding.

Presenting his report to the cabinet, Chris McEwan, portfolio holder for economy and regeneration, said: “I think an important point to make is that housing is important for this town; we face severe challenges, we discuss those on a regular basis in terms of our budget, but we have got to have ambition for the town.

“We are seeking to encourage business growth and growth in general and that needs a good housing supply, so in a sense this is critical to keeping the ambitions of Darlington alive.”

The majority of the eight areas of land agreed for release are in urban areas, but the largest is a 25-acre plot at Muscar House Farm, off Barmpton Lane on the outskirts of Darlington, which could accommodate up to 90 houses.

Darlington Council has previously identified the need for around 6,000 homes, plus amenities and business premises, to be built across the borough up to 2026.