CONTROVERSIAL plans to build pensioners' homes on an unofficial village green could win permission despite residents' opposition.

Durham City councillors will be recommended on Wednesday to approve the Durham Aged Mineworkers Homes Association's proposals for eight bungalows at High Pittington.

The association hopes to build the two-bedroomed homes on Durham County Council-owned land off Coalford Lane.

But villagers say the development would mean the loss of a valuable amenity and are trying to have the site officially declared a village green, which would prevent any building on it.

The association says there is a shortage of bungalows for elderly residents in the village.

Pittington Parish Council, which has made the application for village green status, is strongly opposed to the plan.

The council, which is being backed by neighbouring West Rainton Parish Council, is concerned about the loss of the open space, increased traffic and the removal of a right of way to nearby allotments. It claims there is no demand for the homes.

The City of Durham Trust is also objecting as are residents who say the village's sewerage system will be unable to cope with the development.

The city council's development control committee will be told that the current local plan lists the site as being in the centre of the village and being suitable for community uses and homes for the elderly or handicapped.

But the draft new local plan, which has yet to come into force, describes the site as being outside the village boundary.

New housing is only allowed in the countryside if it is connected to farming or forestry.

Environmental services corporate director Neil Smith says in a report that the development is in line with the current local plan.

"While the site has now been excluded from the settlement boundary in the revised deposit draft local plan there is an identified shortage of two-bedroomed bungalows for the elderly in the High Pittington area."

He says there are is other suitable land in the village and the site is convenient for reaching shops and buses.

Mr Smith said that the development will take only one third of the land and the "majority of the open area will remain for local residents to enjoy"