COUNCILLORS are being urged to ignore the views of villagers and give the go-ahead for a housing development.

Thoroughbred Homes has applied for planning permission to build nine houses in Chapel Row, Sadberge, near Darlington.

The site is vacant, and there is evidence to suggest that it was once used as a tannery.

Darlington Borough Council's planning applications committee will be told today that all the proposed dwellings will be two-storey and constructed in brick in a style to match the properties already under construction in the area.

But 13 letters of objection have been sent to the council, along with an objection letter from Sadberge Parish Council.

Among the concerns of residents are:

* Access to the site is by an inadequate narrow road.

* Traffic generation from the site, added to the existing traffic, will be excessive and prejudicial to road safety.

* Additional development will lead to further erosion of the quality of Chapel Row.

* The properties will not enhance the appearance of the conservation area.

Despite the objections, council officers are recommending that members approve the application.

In his report to the committee planning officer Adrian Miller said there did not seem to be a legitimate case to refuse the proposal on grounds of highway safety.