A DEVELOPER'S attempt to double a village's size are likely to be approved despite residents' objections.

Persimmon Homes has asked Richmondshire District Council for permission to build 200 homes and a primary school at Brompton-on-Swale.

A report to be considered by the authority's environment committee when it meets on Tuesday recommends that the plans be approved.

However, even if they agree, the project will have to be referred to the Secretary of State for the Environment because the district council owns some of the land on which the homes would be built and, therefore, it is not permitted to make the final decision.

Nevertheless, planning officer Brian Hodges said the site off Gatherley Road had been set aside for housing in the council's Local Plan - the template against which all its decisions are made.

In his view, as long as Persimmon can satisfy the council on matters such as landscaping and facilities for those buying the homes, there is no reason to resist the scheme.

However, his comments are at odds with the views of Brompton-on-Swale Parish Council.

At a meeting in January, members agreed to object to the proposals, claiming not enough thought had been given to the long-term impact on the village.

There were also concerns that a new school could undermine the present one, especially as there is another in nearby Bolton-on-Swale.

Meanwhile, English Nature has indicated its fears about the effects on wildlife in the area.

The organisation is also concerned about a survey commissioned by the developer, which it believes to have been no more than cursory.

One resident who objected to the plans said in a letter to the district council: "Brompton-on-Swale is being sacrificed by Richmondshire District Council to satisfy all its needs for the future of the area."