A PUBLIC meeting will be held tonight to discuss plans to build a major new housing development in Howden-le-Wear, near Crook.

Wimpey Homes have submitted a planning application to create 55 detached, semi-detached and terraced homes on allotments in Bridge Street.

Several residents are opposing the scheme because they say the allotment site, used by villagers for over a century, will be destroyed.

However, the builder say they propose to relocate the allotments, half of which are still in use, to an area further down the road.

If planning permission is granted, Wimpey Homes intend to start work next Spring.

Attending the meeting will be Amanda Senior, director of development at Dene and Valley Homes, David Townsend, head of development and building control at Wear Valley District Council and John Bailey, Howden ward councillor, along with other local ward councillors from neighbouring villages.

Councillor Bailey said: "We are holding the meeting to update Howden residents with the plans.

"A planning application came in on Monday so we want the residents to know the news, I know some are opposed to the plan and have already complained so this is a chance for them to air their views and concerns.

"We have already carried out three consultation meetings and I hope many residents as possible can come along to the meeting.

"Other topics like what Howden will do when the Unitary Authority comes in and a discussion about the location of a bus stop in the village will be discussed."

Mr Townsend said: "We have 13 weeks before we decide to give the plans the go-ahead or not and during this time we will hold public consultations to keep residents up to date with the plans.

"The allotments have been in Howden for a very long time which is why the proposals have been met with opposition."

The meeting is being held Howden-le-Wear Community Centre tonight at 6.30pm.

* A story in this morning's South West Durham edition of The Northern Echo made an incorrect reference to Witton-le-Wear.

We are happy to make it clear that the housing scheme is proposed for Howden-le-Wear and wish to apologise for any confusion caused.