PLANS for travellers' accommodation at the gateway to a village look likely be approved, despite residents objections.

The Dolan family have applied to Durham City Council for permission to build a two-storey house and site a chalet-style mobile home, five caravans and an amenity block at Commercial Road East, in Coxhoe.

If they are successful, the travellers will live on the former garage site, raise their six children there, and conduct their roofing repairs, guttering and tarmac-laying business.

The area is outside the Coxhoe settlement boundary - the land earmarked for residential accommodation - but this is likely to change in the future.

Plans for the development have prompted 29 letters of objection from nearby residents, who say that it would spoil the village's improving image.

They are also worried that it might attract more travellers, that there is insufficient space at the local school for the children, and that it may devalue their homes.

The residents suggest existing public gypsy sites at East Howell and Ferryhill as alternative locations.

But in a report to councillors, who met this week to discuss the plans, corporate director of environmental services Neil Smith, recommends their approval.

He said: "To some, the proposals threaten to jeopardise what has been achieved in Coxhoe. However, in my view, this proposal offers an opportunity to enhance a long neglected piece of land.

"The understandable concerns of those living in Coxhoe are respected. However, the benefits of the proposal would appear to far outweigh the perceived harm."

The report highlights the 1998 Human Rights Act, which entitles everyone to live without unnecessary interference from the authorities and prohibits discrimination on any grounds. At the meeting, councillors agreed to undertake a site visit before making a final decision.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said there was strong opposition to the plans. She said: "We are absolutely determined to make sure that this doesn't happen.

"There will be several people arguing our case at the next meeting. We will fight this all the way."