A PUBLIC meeting will be held tonight to discuss plans for a major housing development on a village allotment.

Wimpey Homes has submitted a planning application to build 55 detached, semi-detached and terraced houses in Bridge Street, Witton-le-Wear.

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

However, the builder says it proposes to relocate the allotments, half of which are still in use, to another location nearby.

If planning permission is granted, Wimpey intends to start work in the 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 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, such as what Howden will do when the unitary authority comes in and the location of a bus stop in the village will also 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.