COUNCILLORS have approved plans to create around new homes on land in Cockerton.

Plans to build 20 properties on a patch of wasteland adjacent to the Cockerton Band and Musical Institute were discussed by Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.

The Woodland Road site could now be transformed to incorporate three bedroomed properties and 41 associated car parking spaces, with a private access road to be created.

A planning application for the erection of 46 apartments in two three-storey blocks was refused in 2014 after councillors decided that the buildings would have an overbearing impact when viewed by residents of Newlands Road and would result to harm to outlook and loss of residential amenity. An appeal was subsequently turned down by the Planning Inspectorate.

However, planning officer David Coates recommended the most recent plans for approval and told councillors that they were more satisfactory and had been amended following an extensive viability assessment.

Objections to the proposals were received from those who were concerned as to potential traffic congestion arising from the development and the subsequent danger to elderly people who have trouble crossing the road.

Others were worried that existing properties would suffer a loss of privacy and security and light pollution due to the proposed location of street lighting.

A petition was submitted to the council signed by 35 residents of sheltered accommodation at Squires Court that reflected concerns about the impact of more traffic in the area.

The proposals would see three trees removed that are currently covered by a Group Tree Preservation Order.

At the planning meeting, Cllr Ian Galletley urged councillors to impose a condition that would require developers to replant similar hardy trees, rather than replace them with smaller, ornamental trees.

He said there was currently sensitivity in the town concerning the loss of trees, adding: “We need to demonstrate that we are listening to people and should be replacing these trees with ones that will grow as large.”

The proposals were approved, on the basis that several conditions would be met, including those that specified that the development be commenced no later than 18 months from now; that a scheme for the provision of one affordable housing unit be submitted and approved; that parking restrictions in the area should be upgraded and that construction work would not take place outside of the hours of 8am until 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am until 2pm on Saturday, with no working on Sundays or bank holidays without permission.