A PLAN to build 75 houses on the former steelworks site in Consett has been given the go ahead.

Dysart, part of the Project Genesis initiative, is to develop the land south-west of Knitsley Gardens, in Templetown.

The original plan was to build 79 homes, but the developer had a rethink after protestors opposed the removal of a well-used recreation area.

Templetown Residents' Association secretary Julia Pollard said she was happy with the decision to grant permission.

She said: "It is all right now they have given us back the playing field.

"We met the council and put forward our objections and we are pleased they have listened."

In total, Derwentside District Council received 38 letters of objection from residents of Alwyn Gardens, Knitsley Gardens and Temple Gardens.

Some feared the increase population would lead to more noise in the area, while others did not want trees in the area to be removed and affect the local wildlife.

Other residents said they did not want high buildings to alter their existing view of the surrounding area.

The site will be developed with two to five-bedroomed houses as part of a scheme to regenerate the area.

The Government Office for the North-East said the site, landscaped after the closure of the steelworks, should be re-classed as a greenfield site.

But council planning officers disagree because of its industrial history and do not consider its status clear cut.

County Highways initially opposed the plan over access issues but withdrew its opposition after revised routes were suggested.

Senior planning officer Simon le Jeune advised the council's development control committee to grant conditional permission for the proposed housing. Members agreed and the application was approved.