PLANNING officers have pledged to find a use for a derelict windmill on the outskirts of Ferryhill.

An application to convert the mill tower at Dean Bank into bedrooms and a lounge, with the addition of a two-storey cottage and garage block, was turned down by the authority and the decision upheld on appeal.

The planning inspectorate said it could be rebuilt as residential accommodation but the proposals went further than just rebuilding.

Sedgefield Borough Council planning officer Andrew Farnie said: "Because of the importance of the building, officers are continuing to discuss alternative designs."