Plans to build 11 bungalows in a County Durham village have been approved by the council, despite objections from residents.

The homes, which saw plans given the greenlight by Durham County Council on Thursday, will be developed on a vacant site between Rock Terrace and Edward Terrace in New Brancepeth.

The land has been unused for some time and was previously informally used as gardens which had deteriorated, leading to untidy land notices being issued.

Initially, the proposal was for 12 semi-detached bungalows, but this was reduced to 11 due to changes in the site layout.

The development, led by applicant David Perry of DP Contractors, will now include a mix of semi-detached and one block of three units, all offering two bedrooms.

The bungalows will be constructed using facing brick for the walls and slate or tiles for the roof, with white UPVC windows and doors.

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A total of 22 parking spaces will be available for the new residents, with access via Edward Terrace.

The development is set to transform the previously derelict site, providing 100 per cent affordable housing on-site in collaboration with a registered provider, Places for People.

This means all the bungalows will be affordable rental properties, surpassing the minimum affordable housing requirement of 10 per cent.

The homes will also be equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, and a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) will be implemented to manage water runoff.

Despite initial concerns from local residents about parking, loss of open space, and traffic, the council found the benefits of providing affordable housing outweighed these concerns.

One resident spoke of their 'legitimate fears' that building on the land may cause subsidence which would have "not only the potential to cause structural damage to the buildings which will be erected overtime, but also our prexisting homes on Edward terrace."

Durham County Council granted planning permission for the development, subject to several conditions.

These include the submission of a construction management plan before work commences, detailing measures for dust control, noise reduction, site security, and waste management.

A detailed landscaping plan must also be provided, including measures to protect birds and bats, and a scheme for broadband connection must be submitted.

The development must adhere to recommendations in an ecological appraisal regarding wildlife conservation, and construction must follow strict working hours, with no work permitted on Sundays.

A Section 106 Agreement has been mentioned, which likely includes provisions related to affordable housing and contributions to local infrastructure.

This agreement will secure financial contributions towards local open space improvements amounting to £19,130.10.