PLANS to transform the derelict site of an old petrol station into a housing development have left residents concerned.

North East developer, Modo Bloc, has submitted plans to sympathetically regenerate the site at Neville’s Cross, in Durham.

The firm plans to build 12 four-bedroom, modern family townhouses on the site, which sits just off the A167 Newcastle Road.

Greatspace Architects have designed the development to sensitively fit in to its Conservation Area location.

Developers said to ensure the properties’ elevations are in harmony with neighbouring homes, they sit on a low site and incorporate sunken gardens, a storey which is below ground level and a top floor that is nestled into the roofline.

The townhouses will also include aundercroft parking system to make efficient use of the available space and an attractive landscaped perimeter.

Residents have raised concerns about traffic Problems, the size of the development and conservation.

Duncan Hill, of Durham said: “I object to this application, following the similar arguments made by others that this would indeed become a rat run. The developer says that only a small portion of traffic turns down Nevilles Cross Bank, and that may be true but it is still more than the road can cope with given the nature of parking on that road.”

Ellam Avenue resident Charles Augarde said: “I live the other side of the Nevilles Cross junction from the site less than five mins walk away, and am in favour of the site finally being used for housing (for anyone) after 15 years derelict. I have ticked neutral because I think the proposed link road is not necessary and is a potential rat run which, if we could avoid creating, we should.”

Managing director of Modo Bloc, George Jenkins, said: “We have listened carefully to what nearby residents would like to see on the site and have gone to great lengths in the design process to create attractive, family homes that will have a positive impact on the local area.

“Preparing a viable scheme has not been without its challenges, given the number of issues that any redevelopment of this site needs to overcome.

“The homes will help meet the high demand for premium family living, in a popular location.”