COUNCILLORS have agreed to allow the demolition of a church, to be replaced by two detached houses.
Derwentside District Council's development control committee members agreed to the proposals at the Tantobie Methodist Church, in Tantobie, near Stanley.
The meeting was told the church was not in use and had its roof stripped, windows blocked up and was unsightly. The more modern church next to the site will be kept and remain in use.
Outline planning permission for three houses on the site had been refused in 1992, but outline permission for two homes was granted in 2001. Dickman Developments is preparing to build the houses, with detached garages to the rear, with access off Larch Terrace.
Neighbours objected on the grounds that Larch Terrace was the only means of access to the bungalows on the street and it was already congested.
They also raised fears of drainage problems and the development's affect on the area's bats.
Planning officers said the drainage was adequate and recommended approval, pending a positive bat survey from Natural England.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article