PLANS have been approved to turn outbuildings into four homes in a Weardale town.

Durham County Council has granted planning permission for the refurbishment of a derelict house and conversion of two outbuildings behind Hood Street in St John’s Chapel into three homes.

The council received one letter of objection from neighbours of the site who said they were unhappy with the potential increase in the number of vehicles using the access track.

In his report, planning officer Adam Williamson said the scheme was subsequently amended with a new access track to be built.

In a statement to the council’s planning department, agent for the applicant Robert Wann said the buildings dated from sometime between the late 18th and early 19th Century.