CONSULTATION is underway to formulate the a council's local development plan for the next 20 years.

Darlington Borough Council is carrying out a number of community events to gauge residents' opinions on future housing developments up to 2036.

So far the Draft Spatial Plan has consulted with people living in Heighington and Middleton St George at two events this week.

Residents are being asked to submit their thoughts before the local plan is discussed by council members in the new year.

The council's consultation plan reads: "By 2036, there could be at least 10,000 new homes, supporting the creation of at least 6000 new jobs and helping to sustain a vibrant town centre and high quality sports and recreation facilities and spaces.

"The Local Plan will be a framework of policies and guidance that will make growth happen in a well thought out, sustainable way."

In Heighington residents raised a number of concerns about developments that were already underway that are impacting on the area.

Campaigner Keith Houghton said: "The general mood in the hall for the three hours that I stayed there was as ever emotive rather than constructive with the Bellway Homes development being largely the topic of conversation.

"Complaints regarding road safety and that Bellway Homes proposed to re-site the entrance widen the road and remove, what are believed to be, protective hedgerows.

"Early days, but we are trying to get information on the feedback by attendees at this consultation from Darlington Borough Council but they would not say how long it would take to collate them."

While the chairman of Middleton St George Parish Council, Councillor Mike Wilson, believes it is important to engage with the council in a bid to get the best result for the village.

"We know that more house need to be built but it is about trying to get what is best for the village," he said.

"I do feel we have already taken on more than our fair share of housing but we have to be realistic and see what comes out after the consultation process. If we are to get more housing, we need to ensure that we get additional community facilities."

Anyone wanting to take part in the consultation should visit darlington.gov.uk/local-plan

Alternatively people can submit a comments form, available from the town hall, to Planning Policy, Room 401, Level 4, Darlington Borough Council, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT.