MEMBERS of Wear Valley District Council's planning committee are visiting a site behind the Deerness Estate, at Tow Law, where farmer Ian Robson has applied to build three homes.

Mr Robson told a meeting last week he was trying to diversify after his business was affected by the foot-and-mouth epidemic last year.

Officers had recommended his application for planning permission should be refused because it conflicted with the local plan.

But Councillor Ron Grogan asked for a site visit to check the exact limit of land where development is allowed.

There will be other site visits to a proposed parking area at Brotherlee Cravan Park, Westgate, and a house in Albert Street, Crook, where there are plans for a conservatory.