RESIDENTS in part of Darlington have called for update on plans for a new supermarket in their area, saying they have not heard from developers in six months.

The Lateral Property Group obtained outline planning permission for a 4,225sq metre supermarket in the Faverdale area of town in June last year.

Developers say work on the scheme is progressing and they are committed to completing the project, but residents say a lack of updates has left them 'disheartened and sceptical'.

With the potential to bring 130 jobs to the suburb in outer Darlington, the proposal attracted overwhelming support from residents during the consultation phase.

University lecturer Dr Rachel Stocker said residents had been left out of the loop since and were eager to know if it was going ahead.

She said: “We have heard precisely nothing, despite being given very regular updates and requests for support leading up to the planning decision.

“Given that many of us spent time and effort in attending meetings and writing to the council to support the proposals, we feel quite disheartened and sceptical about the progression of the development.”

Another Faverdale resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We’ve had a complete lack of information.

“Trying to get an answer out of the company we don’t get anywhere. They said they would get back when they knew something but never did.”

Faverdale councillor Rachel Mills approached Lateral Property Group and was assured they were “absolutely committed” to the site.

She said: “It is a slightly complicated application because there is land that needs to be regenerated.

“They are still working on the development even though we haven’t heard anything.

“The reason they have been so quiet is because there is nothing new to announce at the moment.”

Cllr Mills said she would use her regular ward surgeries to update residents on the development's progress in the future.

A spokesman for the development said a detailed announcement would be made soon.