PLANS to build council houses in Crook are meeting with strong opposition from local people.

Durham County Council is to receive £3.5m to build 67 homes in the town.

The two proposed sites, at Park Avenue Close and Greenside Place, contain dated sheltered accommodation.

Residents of Watergate estate, near the Greenside Place site, say the housing would exacerbate traffic, encroach on amenity space and spoil their view.

Four bungalows and 46 apartments are planned for Park Avenue Close, while Greenside Place will be part of a two-phase development, with 17 houses built in stage one and a further 17 later.

Durham County Council and Dale and Valley Homes, which manages the local authority housing in Wear Valley, will submit the plans.

It would be the North-East’s largest new council housing scheme in almost two decades.

Ian Hawley, of Esk Gardens, is among Watergate residents who will form an action group to oppose the plans.

He said: “As I understand it, the green is set aside as amenity space.

“It’s an area for the kids to play on. All the lads play football on it and it should remain as amenity space.

“It will also mean an increase in traffic on an already busy road.”

Peter Chaffer, chief executive of Dale and Valley Homes, said the homes would be energy- efficient and more accessible for disabled people.

He said the development would benefit the community, but residents’ views would be sought.

He said: “Customers have made it very clear that the existing properties at Greenside Close and Park Avenue Close are not meeting their needs.

“We are delighted that we will be able to replace outdated properties with modern, purpose-designed buildings which people will be happy to call home.

“Ours is the largest council house building scheme announced for the North-East, which is really exciting.

“There will, of course, be a full consultation process before design and layout are finalised.”