SUBSTANTIAL changes to an ongoing development in Hurworth are among the matters to be discussed by councillors next week.

Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee meets on Wednesday to make a decision over whether to allow alterations to be made to a house being built on The Wayside, Hurworth.

Several nearby neighbours objected to the original proposals to build two houses on the site, and fresh objections have now been lodged after the applicant submitted plans for changes to be made to one of the properties.

The changes include increasing the floor area to the rear of the property and altering the roof on the south elevation, plus a substantial number of design changes.

These include altering the bay windows to the front so that they feature flat roofs; removing a chimney stack; altering the size of two ground floor windows on the north side elevation and installing a new first floor bathroom window.

The new application also includes moving the proposed detached garage to further north closer to the side boundary line of the plot.

Objections have been lodged by some residents living close to the development, with one stating: “Like most residents in The Wayside I objected to the initial plans.

“I find this adaptation to the original plans excessive with an even larger property being squeezed onto the same size piece of land.

“The original planned dwellings were always guaranteed to cause disorder within a very small area but now this will add to the frustration.”

Planning officers have recommended that the amendments are approved, with a report prepared for the committee stating that the area of the plot that would be increased is not close to existing neighbouring properties.

It adds: “The design of the proposed dormer bungalow is of a more contemporary style than previously approved.

“However, it would still be in keeping with the area as The Wayside features a variety of styles of dwellings.”

If the application is approved, there will be conditions attached such as the need to use obscure glazing on the first floor bedroom window on the north side elevation and building a fence no less than 1.8 metres high along the side boundary with the neighbouring property.

Other applications to be discussed by the committee next week include a new house with a garage for Eastbourne Road and a six-bedroom house proposed for a plot on the former Duke of Wellington put site off The Green in High Coniscliffe.