PEOPLE struggling to get on the property ladder will have the first chance to buy homes in their village.

Developer Reiver Homes says it will invite offers for its development in Sadberge from residents first before the 16 family homes go on general sale.

The firm, which has submitted plans to build on the site of the former Sadberge Primary School, in Norton Crescent, acknowledges there is a lack of homes for young people and first- time buyers in the village.

Reiver says if its plans are approved, it will hold a viewing day for Sadberge residents. But despite the gesture, there have been complaints that the homes will be too expensive for many because most have five bedrooms.

Some people inquired about buying the homes at a consultation exercise held before the planning application was lodged.

Scott Thompson, from Reiver Homes, said: "The residents' main gripe was affordability of the houses. We cannot make them more affordable, but this offer does give them the first chance to buy them.

"There are houses for sale in the village, but they are never on the market for long."

Sadberge Parish Council chairman Millie Scaife believed the houses would be too expensive for most people buying their first home because most had five bedrooms.

She said: "There are young families who want to live here because they have grown up here. They cannot because of the cost.

"In practical terms, I cannot see people being turned away if they want to view the site.

"On the other hand, it is a goodwill gesture from Reiver Homes to accommodate Sadberge people."

Reiver Homes' application to build semi-detached and detached homes with between three and five bedrooms was submitted to Darlington Borough Council last week.

Villagers have raised concerns about the application, including traffic, affordability and parking problems. The parish council also wants a one-way test system to be adopted in Norton Crescent during development.

Leaflets about the viewing days will be delivered to villagers later in the year.