COUNCILLORS have approved plans for a nature reserve in Darlington.

Estate leaders on Firthmoor feared the proposals would be rejected because of concern from Teesside International Airport about bird strikes.

But airport managers decided not to object after the nature reserve team drew up a strategy to reduce the likelihood of large birds, such as geese, nesting at the seven-and-a-half hectare site.

Neighbourhood manager Sally Forth said the team was delighted that the plan had been approved.

"We were really worried about the bird strike and the airport problem," she said.

"That was potentially a big threat to the project so we are really relieved."

A team of archaeologists from Durham County Council is carrying out a survey on the site and will deliver its report in a few weeks time.

"As long as they don't find anything we should be able to get on site and get some tenders for the work very soon," said Ms Forth.