VILLAGERS who objected to plans to build an extra classroom at a local school have been defeated.

People living in Heighington, near Darlington, expressed concern that the classroom would result in more children being accepted from outside the village.

Darlington Borough Council heard that they feared this would lead to more traffic in the village, especially at Hopelands, where congestion is already bad just before and after school.

Heighington CE Primary School had applied to the borough council to build an extra classroom, with cloakrooms and a connecting corridor.

Members of the authority's planning applications committee were told this week that a 117-name petition had been submitted by villagers, who were opposed to the classroom.

Further letters of objection had also been sent.

These raised similar concerns about traffic congestion, and an influx of children from outside the village.

Councillors were told by officers that the main issue to be considered was whether the proposal would materially affect the amenities of the area.

The authority held the view that any extra traffic movements associated with the proposal would not justify the refusal of planning permission.

The committee approved the plans.