PLANS for 30 new flats to be built near the centre of Bishop Auckland were expected to be given the go-ahead last night.

Wear Valley District Council's officers were recommending the proposals for land at North Bondgate and High Bondgate are approved by the planning committee.

The proposals, put forward by Bowey Homes Ltd, include building two new blocks, to create 27 flats, and the conversion of numbers 4 and 6 High Bondgate into the final three. The plans are for land immediately west of North Bondgate car park, on a cleared 0.66 acre site used temporarily for parking. A grade II listed gazebo in the north-eastern corner of the site is also planned to be converted into a communal facility for residents.

The two blocks will form an inner courtyard, with the southernmost building an L-shaped form. The external features of the flats would be designed to fit in with traditional buildings already in existence in the area.

The site has been identified in the district's local plan as a housing commitment and ongoing proposals looking at the long-term regeneration of the town centre have pointed to a need to bring in more residents.