A HOUSING estate could replace a former bus depot in West Auckland.

Swift Timber Homes wants to build homes on four hectares (ten acres) of industrial and brownfield land.

The site includes waste land near Leazes Lane, the former OK bus depot, near Station Road and North Bridge Works, which houses a waste recycling centre, a car breakers and other smaller firms.

Wear Valley District Council's development control committee granted outline planning permission at a recent meeting, and agreed to help companies on the site to relocate.

Councillors also said remains of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on the site must be protected