RESIDENTS on a Consett estate are again preparing to fight controversial housing plans after losing out in a similar row two years ago.

Miller Homes is putting the finishing touches to a 78-home development on the site of the town's former steelworks.

The scheme was given planning permission two years ago despite fierce opposition from some residents on the nearby Grove estate.

It has now emerged that plans are afoot for a further 44 houses on the site, a development which many residents claim could disturb toxic chemicals buried under the former steelworks site.

They say that poisons, including lead and zinc, could be released into the water supply if buried slag is disturbed by further building work.

Members of the Grove Action Group say that, like the initial development, this latest one will also cause traffic problems and a loss of wildlife in the nearby Derwent Valley.

Group secretary John Manwaring said: "People in this community are outraged they want to build another 44 houses.

"The initial district plan stated that only 60 houses could be built on this site, so we want to know why they've submitted plans for more.

"Our biggest problem is that the expansion plans are just a few yards away from an area of high toxicity.

"We are asking for a full survey to be carried out to identify any risk from pollutants to potential homebuyers.

"Old slag heaps are the cause of pollution, and who will be responsible if it leaches into the new homes?

"The homes would also cause a significant increase in traffic on narrow roads, especially Pemberton Road, Consett Lane and Priestman Avenue."

Peter Reynolds, head of planning services at Derwentside District Council, confirmed the authority had received a detailed planning application for eight semi-detached and 36 detached houses from Miller Homes.

He said: "This site is not specifically identified in our district plan, but that in itself does not preclude the development.

"It is far too early to say whether or not we will be requesting another site survey, but we will be contacting Durham County Council to see if the existing roads have the capacity for this development.

"We want to make sure that people know exactly what these plans include.