PLANS to build homes on an unsightly brownfield site have been given the go-ahead by planning chiefs.

Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee granted planning permission to George Wimpey to build on the outskirts of Trimdon Grange in February.

But because the scheme fell outside planning guidelines, it was referred to the Government Office for the North East (Gone).

Gone officials confirmed that the application would not be called for further consideration by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Ruth Kelly.

Wimpey can go ahead with plans for detached, semi-detached and terraced houses on industrial land in Rose Street, currently occupied by Kemp Plant Hire.

The two companies have a deal that will enable Kemp to relocate the business and its 26 employees to another site in the Trimdon area.

Ten per cent of the development is described as affordable homes.