AN application to extend a roofing company factory in a Teesdale village could be approved.

The application, by CA Group, for a factory unit is part of a £1.5m expansion by the group.

Despite concerns about how the new unit might affect nearby homes, planners at Teesdale District Council have recommended the plan is approved.

The 16m high unit would be 38m away from the nearest house, but would be only eight metres away from a site which has been allocated for housing development in the Teesdale District Local Plan.

Neighbours are already in dispute with the CA Group over noise from the factory.

Planning officer Wendy Thompson said, in a report, that the unit would be used for storage and so would be at the quieter end of the factory.

Planning conditions could also prevent night-time noise.

Residents are also concerned about light pollution from 17 400w floodlights which are proposed, but Mrs Thompson said that an embankment and tree planting could mitigate these effects.

CA Group employs 235 people at the Evenwood factory, as well as 265 people on a contract basis at sites around Britain.

The company is hoping to employ an extra 26 people as a result of the expansion.

Mrs Thompson advised councillors: "It is acknowledged that the development could have some impact on the amenities of adjoining residents but it is hoped that through the conditions that have been added to this recommendation, these will help to mitigate these effects."

Teesdale council's planning committee will discuss the application on Wednesday, at 5.30pm.