PROTEST groups expressed dismay last night over plans to build 4,500 homes on farmland to the north of Darlington, close to a planned new A66-A1 link road.

The Northern Echo revealed yesterday that Theakston Estates was planning a massive 'garden village' in the Skerningham area, west of Barmpton and north of the Whinfield area.

The development would be next to a planned link road to facilitate access between the A66 and A1. There are two possible routes for the road which are being considered.

Darlington councillors will today be given a presentation on the housing plans.

Last night the Barmpton and Skerningham Action Group, which was originally set up to fight "route B" of the planned road, said its aim was to save the last accessible piece of greenbelt land in Darlington, the Skerningham Community Woodland and surrounding area, which is maintained by volunteers and incorporates woodland and ancient bridleways.

Bev Hutchinson, of the action group, said: "We understand the road is coming, we understand that more houses are needed, but why build a dirty great road and houses straight through a wildlife corridor?" She said there were medieval earthworks which needed investigating, as well as diverse bird species there.

Mel Wilson, chairman of action group No to the Darlington Northern Link Road, which opposes both roads, said: "I question the need the council has predicted for 10,000 new homes in the next 20 years. Where are the people coming from to fill these homes? In the town centre we have empty houses that people can't sell."

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman said: "I think there are concerns about the level of development proposed around Darlington at the moment. We have to think, are the number of new houses that the government seems to want to impose on us, appropriate? Building houses alone isn't going to correct the imbalance in the economy between north and south."

Neil Westwick, Planning Director at planning and development consultancy Lichfields, said:

“The development will lead to the creation of an excellent network of green infrastructure which connects into existing areas of environmental value including the River Skerne corridor.

"Our aim is to maintain and improve upon the diversity of the natural habitat.”