Plans to demolish a County Durham house to make way for a new two-storey house have been approved by the council.

The new build will replace the existing structure at Lark House, Cowsley Lane, Cornsay.

The applicants, Mr and Mrs Thompson, plan to build a two-bedroom house with a detached double garage on a 3,654-square-metre site.

Durham County Council approved the application on Tuesday.

The new property will be built using reclaimed stone for the walls, a clay pantile roof, and white uPVC windows and doors.

The current parking capacity for one vehicle will be increased to accommodate two vehicles.

Development has been deemed to have no negative impact on the environment, with no concerns over contamination, flood risk, or biodiversity.

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The application is supported by Cllr Bev Coult, who said the proposed works will improve the area.

The planning report states that the replacement of the existing dwelling is in line with policy, with the new build set to increase the footprint and floor space by around 30 per cent.

Various agencies, including the Highways, Coal Authority, and Archaeology departments, have raised no objections.

However, conditions have been imposed, including tree protection, hedgerow planting, and the installation of a bat box.

The new development must begin within three years and adhere to specified construction and materials management plans.

It must also include an electric vehicle charging point and designated bin storage areas.

A 1.2m dry stone wall must be built around the site, and broadband infrastructure must be installed.

The development of the new property will also have to consider a footpath, Cornsay Footpath 24, which runs alongside the site, ensuring it is protected during construction.

The council has also stipulated no further modifications can be made to the new property without additional permissions, restricting permitted development rights and it will also have to implement sustainable drainage and flood management measures.