WORK on a major development which could transform an area of Darlington is to start in a few months.

The developer behind the 250-home plan for the derelict former Corus site, in Whessoe Road, hopes to begin building work in May, with people moving into the houses by the end of the year.

A local councillor has welcomed the scheme, but hopes local people will be involved in deciding what community facilities will be available.

Outline planning permission was given to St Modwen Properties' plan in December 2009. Work has started to prepare the land, which has been empty since the Corus site closed in 2007.

Stephen Prosser, St Modwen's North-East regional director, said: "What people will recognise as building houses should start in May. That should lead to houses being delivered during the later part of this year.

"It's in a part of town that has always needed some good quality family housing."

The firm has entered into a partnership with housebuilder Persimmon which will develop the land.

The development, which is to include a mixture of two, three and four-bedroomed family homes and one and two-bedroomed apartments, will also contain ten per cent housing classed as affordable.

As well as the houses, the outline permission also contains plans for two children's play areas and public art.

Ward councillor Mark Burton welcomed the scheme.

However, he said that if the developer gives Section 106 money to the council to pay for community developments, local people should be involved.

He said: "It's good news that house are going to be developed there. My only concern is that nobody rents them and they remain unoccupied. But it's good that something is happening with the site.

"However, if there is Section 106 money to be spent, it would be good for the local councillors and local people to have say in what they want.

"We've always needed a community centre, which might be a better place for youths to go, rather than out drinking on the streets."