A SUPERMARKET and 80 new homes could be built on the former site of a school under plans being considered by Stockton Borough Council next week.

Plans have been submitted to build a Lidl supermarket on part of the old Blakeston School site in Norton, Stockton, one half of which now has permission for a crematorium.

Access to the site will be from Junction Road, and about 120 car parking places will be provided, while the new housing estate will be accessed from Blakeston Lane.

Officers have recommended that councillors approve the application when it is considered by the planning committee next week.

Seven people have objected to the scheme, including nearby resident James Booth, who said he objected to the retail tore as there was no need for another within the vicinity, with three available within one mile.

He said the plan also caused concerns about litter, parking, traffic and access.

A representative of Tesco also objected, raising concerns about the retail impact.

Another resident, John Moore, said: "Blakeston Lane and the existing arrangements cannot accommodate increased traffic given that at present vehicles wait to turn right from Blakeston Lane on to Junction Road, holding up traffic wanting to turn left or go straight ahead."

And Helen Hollins added: "Junction Road is already heavily congested with many using the Glebe to avoid the traffic. This proposal will add to existing congestion on Junction Road given the narrow points and heavy traffic causing difficulties to emergency vehicles.

"Concerns are raised about the increase in residential dwellings and whether there is enough capacity in the local schools for additional children."

She said she thought there were sufficient housing sites in the local area, some of which were not fully sold, so wondered if there was a need for more housing.

But officers said in their report: "The application site is located within the limits to development and is considered to be a sustainable site. Whilst the proposed developments will result in the loss of playing fields, Sport England is satisfied that the council is committed to ensuring sufficient playing pitches will remain elsewhere within the borough."