COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead to plans to demolish 36 bungalows and create a new housing development in north Durham.

The new scheme in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, will be made up of 21 new bungalows and 16 houses.

The development will be built out by Cestria Community Housing after permission was granted by Durham County Council’s north area planning committee.

Councillor Jim Cordon said: “This area was the pits and it was awful to expect people to live there. There have been dodgy floors, leaky pipes and tiny bathrooms. There have been various issues over the years.

"We are all delighted that they are going to be knocked down.”

The bungalows earmarked for demolition are on Vicarage Close and The Garth, which were built in the 1970’s, bear to Pelton Grange Care Home.

In a statement to planners Cestria Community Housing said: “The development delivers a series of economic, social and environmental benefits.

“The development will replace poor quality, predominantly vacant housing stock with modern houses meeting the needs and demands of the area, particularly older people.

“The delivery of modern, accessible bungalows will cater for the increasing aging population of the area.

“The development will result in the creation of additional construction jobs which will be created across the supply chain.”

The council received no objections to the plan and officers have negotiated a financial contribution of £16,000 towards the improvement and management of a nearby recreation area.

Louisa Olliviere, the council’s planning officer, recommended the scheme for approval.

She said: “The application is acceptable representing a 100 per cent affordable housing scheme on a mainly brownfield site in a residential area within Pelton with good links to Chester-le-Street town centre.

“Further material benefits will be realised in the form of the development providing good quality energy efficient modern accessible housing to meet a local need.

“The residential amenity impacts are acceptable and adequate amenity would be afforded to future residents subject to appropriate conditions.

“Careful and thorough consideration has been given to the concerns in terms of impacts upon trees and proposed landscaping and permeability and these have been taken into account and addressed in detail.”