COUNCILLORS hope a major housing development will help regenerate a north Durham village.

Chester-le-Street District Council agreed to allow Barratt Homes to build 169 homes and a road network on rough open space at Holly Crescent, in Sacriston.

Up to a third of the homes are to be affordable housing.

Some residents raised concerns about the site attracting anti-social young people.

But the plan's approval was welcomed by the ward member for Sacriston, Councillor Ralph Harrison.

He said: "It is a very good idea for the village and will attract people to live here.

"This will help the school, which is suffering from low attendance numbers.

"It is very positive and will add a lot to village life.

"There are going to be quite a range of houses, and this is a well-known builder, so they will be finished to a high-quality standard.

"This will give people the opportunity to get on the property ladder."

The planning approval follows the announcement of extensive investment in the village.

The district council is spending £100,000 to upgrade Front Street, while Durham County Council has set aside £45,000 for new street lighting.

The building site was cleared of houses 15 years ago.

The development will consist of mainly three-bedroomed houses in detached, semi-detached and terraced formats, with a further 20 providing four-bedrooms.

Up to 29 two-bed homes are also proposed, with provision for 51 affordable homes scattered across the development. Prices are to be capped at £82,500.

The developer is to provide the council with £169,000 for recreational and leisure facilities.