Arboretum planned for new housing development

The housing development could eventually consist of 2,000 homes

Plans for an arboretum within a new housing development have been submitted.

The first phase of the Burtree Garden Village in Darlington was approved earlier this year and includes an initial 750 homes.

Applicants Hellens Group and Homes England said the arboretum would provide an "accessible green space", with a footpath leading to "a scenic viewpoint".

Residents had previously raised concerns the local sewage system could not cope with extra housing, but Darlington Borough Council said Northumbrian Water had assured them it could manage the increased demand.

Located in the Faverdale area of the town, the development could eventually consist of about 2,000 new homes built over a 20-year period.

A new school, community centre, pub, and health facilities are also proposed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Darlington Borough Council will consider the application for the arboretum at a later date, with work planned to start next year.