HOUSES are to be built on the site of a former farm after the Government gave the scheme the go-ahead.

In July 2000, ex-farmer Mick Maloney submitted proposals for nearly 200 homes, as well as a pub and leisure area, on his land at Middles Farm, Middles Road, Craghead, near Stanley. It was later withdrawn over fears that planning permission would not be granted for a development on a greenfield site.

Dunelm Castle Homes submitted revised plans in January this year, for 44 houses with detached garages.

The proposals only take in the farm complex, which is considered a brownfield site.

The scheme will see the demolition of buildings housing a plant hire firm and two houses. Derwentside District Council's development control committee has had the area designated for residential development for several years and approved the scheme earlier this year.

But planning laws meant the authority had to refer the proposals to the Government for final clearance.

It is the second large development in the area to be announced this year. Last month, Powergen confirmed it was siting the UK's biggest wind turbines at Holmside Farm, Craghead. The windmills will stand 100m tall - the height of Big Ben.