PLANS have been submitted for a 173 home development in Darlington.

If approved, the scheme by house builder Cussins will be part of the West Park garden village development.

The documents have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

David Brocklehurst, Cussins' planning director, said: "It has been an ambition of ours to find a suitable site in Darlington for some time now.

"We like to develop in exceptional locations which can provide our homebuyers with a high quality of life and West Park fits that bill, perfectly.

“We were attracted to the site by the ethos of the landowner, who has an ambitious vision to create a highly desirable place to live, promoting green transport, natural recreation and a socially responsible community, with excellent transport links.”

Outline planning permission has already been granted for the 1,200 home garden village.

The developer is proposing a scheme of two, three, four and five-bedroomed homes, with sandstone and brick exteriors, for the 8.8 hectare site.

Cussins, which has not built in Darlington in 25 years, says it wants to start work this spring, and hopes to complete its first homes by December.

A spokesperson for the company said the homes would have gardens, additional space for home working and the sire would have sustainable, urban drainage system.

Other features include low energy lighting, airtight doors and improved insulation.

Comments on the proposals can be made by visiting Darlington Borough Council's planning portal.

A link road, which runs through the development and connects Edward Pease Way with Newton Lane – aimed at addressing potential traffic volume issues on the A68 – was completed last year.

Land is earmarked within the garden village for a school and playing fields.