PLANS to build 20 new homes on land close to a working men's club are expected to be approved by councillors next week.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee are to discuss an application to build 20 houses on land off Woodland Road, adjacent to the Cockerton Band and Musical Institute.

The planning application states the houses are all three bed properties, and will consist of two-and-a-half storeys with the third bedroom within the roof space.

More than 150 consultation letters have been sent to nearby residents outlining the proposals.

Occupiers of Squires Court, a retirement village located opposite the proposed development, due to the increased traffic that will be created on Woodland Road.

An objection letter signed by all 35 residents states: "The traffic on this part of Woodland Road is extremely heavy since it is constantly coming and going in both directions.

"The additional traffic which will be caused by this proposal will add to an already overloaded road.

"Ambulances and police vehicles have to use this road in order to get to the hospital and adding to the traffic will impede their progress."

Planning documents state: "The site is in a sustainable location and amendments have been made to the design of the buildings and the layout of the site following discussions with officers in order to ensure that the development would not harm the significance of the heritage assets or have an adverse impact upon the local highway network."

The plans will be discussed by the planning committee on Wednesday.