WATER company chiefs hope to gain approval for plans to increase the height of a village pumping station.

Northumbrian Water is seeking permission from Darlington Borough Council to lift the height of the Piercebridge station from 1.2metres to 2metres.

The application was withdrawn in July because of local concerns about the scale of the development.

However, Northumbrian Water has been unable to overcome the problems and has re-submitted the original plan.

Piercebridge Parish Council is objecting and says the structure should be rejected because of its size.

A decision is due to be made at a council planning committee meeting on Wednesday. Planning officers are recommending approval.