ALMOST 1,000 new homes could be built around Darlington if a number of planning applications are approved next week.

Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee will hear applications for the build of 380 houses on land off Burtree Lane in Harrowgate Hill, and 370 homes at Berrymead Farm off Durham Road in Coatham Mundeville.

A decision will also be made on plans for another 100-home development in Hurworth, which has faced strong opposition from campaigners.

The planning committee will also consider an application for 10 new homes, plus a convenience store and car park, on land to the south of Yarm Road in Middleton St George, near Darlington.

The proposed Burtree Lane development will be built on 17 hectares of farmland and will include 20 per cent affordable housing.

Developer Theakston Estates Ltd has agreed to offer funding to support bus cycling, walking and road improvements, as well as sports provision, if the application is passed.

Whessoe Parish Council has objected to the development due to the impact they say it will have on schools, medical services and anti-social behaviour.

As well as plans for 370 homes, the proposals for the Berrymead Farm development include almost one-and-a-half hectares of land set aside for the provision of a new 315 place primary school and 26 place nursery.

The application has received more than two dozen letters of objection, including concerns about flooding, traffic, and the fact that shops “cannot support” further development.

Whessoe Parish Council also submitted on objection against this development, which contained 168 signatures.

The development in Hurworth comes after Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee approved the construction of 100 houses on the outskirts of the village back in 2016.

That decision to allow the development, off Roundhill Road, brought tears from those fighting against the plans, with more than 200 formal objections, and members of Hurworth Against Detrimental Development (HADD) have again campaigned passionately to try and stop the latest development.

More than 60 residents have objected, although Hurworth Parish Council has decided not to oppose the plans.

Paul Walters told Hurworth residents last month he believed the village had missed out on money as a result of their stance on the first development, and therefore didn't want to "ruffle any feathers".

However, the parish council has requested the developer pay for a number improvements to the village if the plans are approved, including a foot and cycle path connecting Hurworth to Darlington.

All of the planning applications will be heard at a meeting on Wednesday.