RESIDENTS have vowed to fight plans to build executive homes on part of their mining heritage which they say is common land.

Householders in Blackfyne, Consett, are opposing a proposal to build 13 houses on the Blue Heaps.

The grassland, formed out of the ore heaps from the heyday of the town's steel industry, is a popular spot with youngsters and dog walkers.

It has been used as a short cut between Blackhill and Consett town centre for decades.

Residents were amazed to discover this week that the three-acre site, which belongs to Derwentside College, has been sold to a developer.

Terence Murray, of nearby Clarence Gardens, said: "When we found out about this, there was a general feeling of disgust and astonishment."

A group of residents has already started a petition demanding that Derwentside District Council reject the scheme.

"We feel that if this gets even to the planning committee then it has gone too far already," said Mr Murray.

Townspeople say the Heaps has been regarded as common land for 40 years and are attempting to have it registered with Durham County Council. Under English law, an area that has been used as a local amenity for more than 20 years can be designated as common land.

It is also thought to be home to some protected species, including bats and badgers.

The college gained ownership of the land when it became independent in 1993.

A spokesman said the college's involvement in the matter ended with the sale of the land to a property developer.

The application is expected to come before the district council's development control committee on October 10, in Consett Civic Centre.