CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build dozens of homes on horse paddocks have been recommended for approval, despite the scheme attracting 119 letters of objection.

Robertson Homes has applied to Darlington Borough Council to change the layout of a plan to build 37 homes at Gate Lane, Low Coniscliffe, which was approved last year.

The proposed design introduces terraced houses instead of 37 detached properties. Objectors said the change to “modern urban housing” was not in keeping with rural development.

An officers’ report to the authority’s planning committee states: “Having considered the layout, design and scale of the existing planning permission alongside the proposed scheme, the changes between the two proposals would not fundamentally alter the original planning permission.”