UP to 50 houses could be built on a former maternity hospital site, despite fears stillborn babies were buried there.

Developer Woodside Leisure Ltd says there are no records of stillborn babies having been buried at the Thorpe Maternity Hospital, off Andrews Lane, Easington Village, County Durham.

However, parish councillor Joan Andrews told a Durham County Council planning meeting there was a local belief this had taken place.

Cllr Andrews called on the central and east Durham committee to refuse Woodside outline planning permission for the site, which is currently unused – the hospital buildings having been demolished some time ago.

She said a new estate would turn the countryside into an urban concrete jungle.

“I beg you not to destroy our village to meet county building requirements,” she asked Tuesday’s (November 11) meeting at County Hall, Durham.

Easington county councillor David Boyes backed her call, saying the 12th century village was at risk of becoming an “appendage of Peterlee”.

Last summer, councillors approved plans for 900 homes and a shopping centre nearby, off Lowhills Road.

Cllr Boyes said the “green wedge” between Easington Village and Peterlee must be preserved, asking: “How many houses does Easington have to bear?

“A pretty medieval settlement is likely to be absolutely swamped by housing development, changing its character forever.”

However, planning officers recommended the application be approved and Cllr Charlie Kay said: “We really have no alternative but to move approval.”

The committee was split, with four in favour and four against, but chair Paul Taylor made his casting vote in support, meaning outline planning permission was granted.