COUNCILLORS are today expected to reject plans to rebuild three cottages in Teesdale - more than 30 years after they were demolished.

Planning officers will recommend that members of Teesdale District Council reject an application to build on the site of three former homes at High Dyke, Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Three cottages stood on the site until they were partly demolished in the late 1960s.

It is believed that the cottages were last occupied about 50 years ago. Their remains are now overgrown with vegetation.

Council planning officers have received a petition signed by more than 30 residents living close to the site, and a letter outlining their reasons for objecting to the application.

One of the main reasons for their opposition is because the site is in an area of natural beauty.

They have also complained that it stands on an elevated part of the countryside, which could spoil the view.

Letters recommending refusal have also been received from Middleton-in-Teesdale Parish Council and Durham County Council.

The application will be considered today by members of Teesdale District Council's development control committee.