DARLINGTON residents living near to a proposed major development site featuring a supermarket and 1,000-plus homes are being invited to have their say.

A planning application submitted by Bussey & Armstrong for the land next to the Tillage Green village centre off John Fowler Way is due to be considered by Darlington councillors next month.

The proposal, an extension to the existing West Park Garden Village site, includes 1,200 new houses, a supermarket, health centre, community facilities and offices along with 156 parking spaces.

The scheme, which is likely to be considered by Darlington Borough Council on April 8, is expected to create 140 full-time jobs and marks an investment in excess of £10 million.

The first round of public consultations took place in August last year and that feedback has been used to form the basis of this most recent ‘masterplan’ proposal.

Residents are being invited to drop-in sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday next week to find out more and have their say on the final plans.

Daniel Gregg, a senior planner at consultancy firm Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP), said: “West Park Village comprises around 700 already occupied or substantially completed dwellings, and around 1,200 new houses are planned on land to the north and west of the centre.

“The proposals would enhance the range of food stores which are conveniently accessible to these existing and future new residents.

“They would also complement existing facilities at West Park, helping to consolidate the existing local centre as a sustainable hub for the community there.”

Tony Cooper, of Bussey & Armstrong, said: “Our proposals would be the right size to cater for the food shopping needs of existing and future new residents at West Park Garden Village, and support existing shops and services there.

“It would also be of a size which is consistent with demand from food store operators.”

The public exhibitions and consultation events are being held on March 24 at Windsor Court, Newton Lane, from 5pm to 7pm and on March 25 at The White Heifer that Travelled pub on John Fowler Way between 5pm and 7pm.