A VILLAGE which has become "flooded" with development could be about to receive hundreds more homes.

A developer is seeking planning permission to build a further 280 homes in Middleton St George, near Darlington.

The proposals also include plans for a 60-bed care home, a community park with new footpaths and outdoor equipment, and a new children's play area.

The development is proposed on land on the south western edge of Middleton St George, off Neasham Road.

Letters have been sent out to more than 500 nearby homes and businesses about the development, and Middleton St George Parish Council is also aware of the plans.

A spokesperson for Gladman Developments, who are behind the plans, said: "We recognise that new development can affect communities in a number of different ways and there may be a number of different suggestions the local community have for any new proposed development.

"We are proposing a new community park to the east of the site which will be a genuine asset to the local community, providing opportunities for leisure and recreation and an opportunity to access the wider countryside from the development.

"There are sometimes concerns associated with an increase in traffic as a result of a proposed development, but we will work to ensure that the development can be accommodated, taking into account any proposed improvements.

"The proposed development will be a mix of sizes, catering for all members of the community."

Last week, Middleton St George councillor Doris Jones , who had previously warned that the village was turning into a town, said there was now applications approved or in the pipeline to build almost 2,000 homes in the area.

Her comments came after a 198 home development on land off High Stell became the latest to be approved, despite more than 420 objections.

The plans would see the homes built next to an open water park, which Cllr Jones said was the "worst decision ever made" by Darlington Borough Council.

Middleton St George Parish Council spokeswoman Catherine Gilson said the proximity of housing to the water park would make it a “high risk" area, whilst Cllr Gerald Lee said many residents in the village were “extremely concerned about the safety of their children” due to the development.

Anyone wanting to make a comment on the proposed development is asked to visit www.your-views.co.uk/neashamroad.