UP to 67 new homes could be built in a small village if councillors approve plans for two developments this week.

An application to build 32 homes and a retail store in a field opposite Park Road in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, will be determined by Durham County Council’s south and west area planning committee on Thursday, March 19.

The committee will also consider outline plans for up to 35 homes on land to the west of St Paul's Gardens on the outskirts of the village.

The latter is a resubmitted application which was refused in 2013 on the grounds it would have an adverse impact on the landscape of a previously undeveloped area.

A lack of shops, school places and community facilities were also cited as reasons for refusal.

However, the applicant, WPDC Limited, argues this development and the Park Road plans now have the potential to create a more cohesive village structure, while providing much-needed housing and a village shop.

In a document circulated to the planning committee ahead of the meeting, WPDC stated: “Witton Park has moved on immeasurably from the wounds inflicted by Category D and there now exists an opportunity to allow the village to take another step forward by the granting of this outline planning permission.”

Planning officers do not agree and have recommended the application be refused.

The council has also received six letters of objection from residents who say there is no need for another housing development in the village.

They have also raised concerns about increased traffic, environmental damage, loss of light and privacy and increased pressure on amenities.

The Park Road development, meanwhile, has been recommended for approval subject to securing £32,000 of Section 106 money for the provision and maintenance of open spaces and recreation facilities.

Outline plans for 32 homes and a retail store on the site were approved in January 2013 and the applicant, Terry Jacques, is now seeking full planning permission for the scheme.

Access to the site would be from Park Road and the development would comprise a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, as well as bungalows and apartments.

In making his recommendation, senior planning officer Steven Pilkington concluded: “The development would have an acceptable impact on the surrounding area in respect of visual amenity, neighbour impact, highway safety, ecology, land stability and drainage.”