NEW villages could be established and existing ones extended to meet housing demand in the borough of Darlington, council officers said today.

As part of Darlington Borough Council’s controversial long-term housing strategy, further potential locations for development have been earmarked.

The prospect of building new settlements and extending existing villages was raised at a special meeting of Darlington Borough Council’s Place Scrutiny Committee.

A map of potential locations was presented to members, appearing to highlight the possible expansion of Heighington and Middleton St George, a south western extension to the town and another to the north of the town.

The map suggests new settlements to the west of the A1 and in the north-east of the borough, while giving consideration to the import or export of housing to and from neighbouring boroughs.

The potential locations are in addition to those already earmarked in the council’s ill-fated Making and Growing Places Plan (MGPP).

Darlington’s new Local Plan - which allows for the building of at least 9,900 dwellings by 2036 - replaces the MGPP, which was scrapped last year following government inspection.

Today saw officers insist the five years of work devoted to the MGPP was not without merit, as it will be used as evidence to support new proposals.

Councillor Doris Jones, who represents Middleton St George, tentatively voiced support for new settlements.

She said she believed they may take the pressure off already existing villages at risk of losing their green spaces to developers.

Cllr Jones added: “It is not such a bad idea and I think the town would go for that rather than the drip, drip, drip of everyone living in fear of large developers coming in and taking up their green spaces.”

In April, the council will launch its Big Debate, a chance for the town’s residents to have their say on the contentious plans.

Unlike in previous consultations, individuals will no longer receive direct responses in relation to issues raised.

They will instead be directed to a general website that officers hope will address the majority of concerns.

Steve Petch, Darlington Borough Council’s head of strategy, said the move was to save time and resources.

He added: “The council would often receive 20 questions that 20 officers would have to deal with.

“This can take up so much time and we can’t afford that time.”