A PLANNED housing estate, which would double the size of a village, has the potential to be among the best in the UK, councillors have been told.

When they were first revealed last month, Persimmon Homes' plans for 200 homes on land off Gatherley Road, in Brompton-on-Swale, prompted objections from people who live nearby.

The parish council added its weight to the campaign to block the proposals, saying a school suggested as part of the proposals could have a detrimental effect on pupil numbers at schools which already exist at Brompton-on-Swale as well as nearby Bolton-on-Swale.

However, when Richmondshire District Council's environment committee met on Monday night, members were told many of the concerns had already been addressed in a revised application.

The homes will be built in phases rather than all at once, they will be of different sizes and the total will include a 40 low-cost properties. Estate roads will also include speed humps and will be governed by a 20mph speed limit.

Ward councillor Jim Fryer pointed out the new estate would also be close to the proposed Scorton Lakes leisure development.

"If we can link them, it could be one of the nicest developments in Great Britain," he said.

Although Monday's meeting voted to back the project, the final decision has not yet been made.

Because Richmondshire District Council owns some of the land which would need to be sold, the application will be referred to the Secretary of State.