PLANS to build dozens of new homes within a conservation area have been approved by councillors.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee approved the building of 43 new homes, including a number of affordable houses, on land off Station Road in Heighington, near Darlington.

The development will include a mix of detached and semi-detached homes, as well as new pedestrian and cycle links.

The plans received 24 objections with some residents claiming the development would "harm the peace and tranquility we currently enjoy".

David Coates, the council’s principal planning officer, said: "Building on a conservation area will have an effect, but does it outweigh providing a home for someone, especially providing affordable homes?

"It doesn't in this particular area - providing housing for people in our community has to be the the trade off.

Gerald Lee, ward councillor for Heighington and Coniscliffe, urged for bungalows to be included in the plans which were "essential" for the village.

"The concerns by a lot of people is the infrastructure in the village.

"They have stuck 43 houses on - but there is no consideration for what happens in the village."

Accepting there was demand for bungalows, Theresa Cook, representing the applicant Kew Land said: "In an ideal world there would be a mix, but this development was targeted at the family market."

Concerns were also raised by some residents about the distance they would have to walk to reach the centre of the village, after being encouraged to use the new footpaths.

But Mr Coates said: "600 metres might be difficult for some people but the vast majority think that is a reasonable distance."