A PLEA to keep three-storey blocks of flats out of Darlington's rural villages failed this week.

Residents of Middleton St George now face the prospect of their first high rise flats as part of the redevelopment of the former Arctic Milburn site on the Yarm Road entrance to the village.

Darlington planning committee on Wednesday gave Mandale Properties the go-ahead to build 34 detached houses and two blocks of flats at Killinghall Row.

Ernest Bennet Saws, which operates on land next door, is expecting an offer to move its company so the housing scheme can be completed.

Mr John Winram, spokesman for the parish council, acknowledged the need to improve the site but said people were concerned particularly at the prospect of the flats but also at the lack of landscaping.

Once a precedent was set, other developers might want to follow suit. He claimed the application was completely outside the spirit of the government's own document By Design, which encouraged planners and developers to create "attractive, high quality and sustainable places in which to live".

Officers said the developers were prepared to put money into an extra classroom at the local primary school, to help cope with a further influx of families into the village.

But Coun Doris Jones said the classroom had been promised whether the new estate went ahead or not and there was no indication of how much cash was promised: "It could be £20 for all we know."

The village already had a problem with youths who had nothing better to do than hang around street corners and she predicted the parking areas around the flats would aggravate the problem.

Mr Adrian Miller, planning officer, said the developers had promised to pay £15,000 to help complete the classroom extension.

He said although By Design encouraged better practice in the layout of houses, the authority had to determine this particular application with reference to the existing local plan. But he did agree there could be an element of landscaping incorporated into the roadside boundary.

Coun Gerald Lee said: "Throughout the country you hear about village statements involving local authorities, parish councils and local organisations aimed at preserving their character and protecting the environment. Darlington is a beautiful town and we are very proud of it. But it is actually complemented by the countryside we have and the beautiful villages in it. If we start putting in three-storey buildings, the countryside character will soon start to go."

Coun David Lyonette said: "I agree that landscaping and design is very important, particularly in a village. But this is going to be an improvement and it has to be viable for developers when it comes to the density of housing units. "

He said the site was still dominated by new houses at the back. The design of the flats included a roof storey to make them appear smaller.

Mr Miller warned that the fact that there were no existing three-storey flats in the village was insufficient reason to reject the proposals: "The secretary of state recognises the single largest growth sector in the housing market is for single person accommodation."

The plans were approved with conditions which include Mandale Properties making a financial contribution to improved public transport over a two-year period plus bus laybys and shelters on Yarm Road.

The company will also have to pay for an order extending the 30mph limit.

College courses

QUEEN Elizabeth sixth form college, Darlington, is offering two after-school clubs this month. A ten-week kids' computing course aimed at nine-12 year-olds starts on Wednesdays from September 20 from 4pm-5.30, or Thursdays, 4.30-6pm, from September 21. The cost is £35.

On Monday, September 18, a ten-week course of mixed football coaching begins for six-13 year-olds. Youngsters can choose between 4.30-6pm or 6pm-7.30. For further details contact the college on 01325 461315.

New vicar

THE Rev Mark Dennis Allsopp, curate of Great Aycliffe team ministry in the diocese of Durham, has been appointed as vicar of Great Aycliffe, with particular responsibility for St Francis and Aycliffe St Andrew's. He will be licensed by the Bishop of Jarrow on Sunday, October 1, at 5.15 at St Francis' and at 6pm at Aycliffe St Andrew's