PLANS for a residential development aimed at the over-55s have been recommended for approval by council officials, despite attracting a large number of complaints from people living nearby.

Concerns about the proposed development of 46 flats on wasteland off Woodland Road, next to the Cockerton Band and Musical Institute, in Darlington, include lack of parking, loss of light and views and extra strain on local amenities.

The application to build the development in two three-storey blocks facing on to Woodland Road has been submitted by Partner Construction Ltd, with the buildings to be owned and managed by Vela Homes.

In a report prepared to summarise the issues around the application, planning officers recommend that councillors grant planning approval.

Fourteen letters of objection have been submitted to the planning department, mostly from people whose properties lie to the rear of the land.

The letters raise issues about a perceived lack of parking – there are 25 spaces planned for 46 flats – additional congestion to Woodland Road; the loss of mature trees and privacy concerns.

One resident wrote: “This development is of an inappropriate scale to its neighbouring properties on Newlands Road and Willow Road which are traditional semi-detached properties with small rear gardens. It is too tall at three stories and fills the site too densely overwhelming the neighbouring properties and does not harmonise with their proportions or design.”

One letter in support of the application has also been received, from the owners of a property lying next to the vacant site on Woodland Road.

In their submission to the council they say: “We were very reassured that this current waste land is being considered for over 55s residential development as this area of land has proved to be a continuing concern to us.

“This site has been often used for fly tipping, an area where anti-social behaviour occurs and, sadly, a place where we found a body of a deceased gentleman.

“Our property is a direct neighbour to this land and to be honest one of a few that a development would have the most impact on, so we feel our co-operation and approval of this regeneration should be voiced.”

In the conclusion to the report for councillors, planning officers note that the proposed development fits with the local development plan and respects the amenity and general character of Cockerton and its conservation area.

They add: “The development has no significant impact in terms of loss of daylight or sunlight to neighbouring dwellings and maintains adequate levels of privacy.

“The application is not considered to raise any issues in relation to car parking provision, highway safety or crime prevention.”

Members of Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee will debate the application at a meeting on Wednesday in the town hall.