AN expansion scheme for a Darlington school was given planning permission by councillors this week - despite opposition from nearby residents.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee granted permission for a two-storey technology block, a single-storey assembly hall with changing rooms and car park upgrades.

Elderly residents who live in nearby St Hild's Close objected to the plans, saying their privacy would be invaded by the design and height of the technology block.

One told the planning meeting on Wednesday: "On behalf of all of us at the top of St Hild Close, a quiet cul-de-sac where everyone is a pensioner, I want to express our opposition to this.

"Carmel has a vast amount of space at its disposal yet chooses to put this unattractive and new building in the very corner of its site where maximum distress will be caused to the school's long-suffering neighbours."

The meeting heard that the council's tree expert was concerned about the siting of the assembly hall because of the position of some trees. The committee agreed to grant permission subject to future negotiations over the siting of the assembly hall, to prevent the loss of trees.