PROTESTERS seem set to lose a fight to stop a housing development in Middleton St George.

At next week's meeting of Darlington planning committee, officers will recommend members approve plans for five three-storey town houses on the site of a petrol station.

The application by Clarion Homes has been the subject of two rounds of public consultation. There have been more than 20 letters and a 36-name petition opposing the plan and the parish council wanted the scheme halted as members feared over-development of the site.

Other objections centred on claims that three-storey homes would be out of character with the village; parking problems; a lack of need for more homes; loss of sunlight to existing houses; noise and loss of amenity.

The garage premises have been the subject of a number of applications in recent years.

Planning officers say the site is within development limits and has been identified for new housing.

A report to the committee says the council feels the impact on supply of land and buildings for employment would be acceptable and that the scheme would boost amenities.