PLANS for a large housing development have been approved by councillors.

Persimmon Homes NE Limited is planning to build 210 properties, including detached and semi-detached homes, in Willington, near Bishop Auckland.

The plans have been passed despite objections by residents, who submitted a petition with 52 signatures.

One man told members of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee that he was concerned about how close the homes would be to his own property, ruining his privacy.

Another told how the development could stop him from gaining access to his drive.

But the committee was told that the distance between the homes was within government guidelines and that the access issue was a civil matter that could not be considered.

Other concerns were expressed about traffic problems on the A690, but it was agreed to pass the development after it was found that no objections had been raised by Durham Police, and that alterations on the road had been discussed with the Highways Authority.