DEVELOPERS bidding to build homes and a business park on a steelworks site are putting their plans on show next week.

Banks Developments, of Tow Law, has already applied for outline planning permission to build more than 140 homes, business and light industrial units at Wolsingham Steelworks, which is closing with the loss of more than 50 jobs.

Its application to Wear Valley District Council went in three weeks ago, hours before members were due to vote on unrelated plans from builders Yuill Homes for 106 houses, business units and access roads on a former sawmills site nearby.

This meant that Yuill's bid was deferred, although the company said yesterday it was still interested and expected its proposals would soon be considered by the council's development control committee.

Some villagers are welcoming the Banks plan while remaining opposed to the Yuill development.

Richard Wigham, who campaigned against the Yuill proposals, said: "I think the people of Wolsingham are behind what Banks are doing.

"Banks have talked to people and are listening to what is said. I can't see people having any complaints whatsoever.

"We will continue to fight the Yuill development. Seven hundred people have told the council they don't want it and that won't change."

A spokesperson for Banks said last night: "We believe that our application adheres to Government policy guidance for housing which gives preference to development on available brownfield land.

"We are in discussion with Wear Valley Council about how a comprehensive reclamation of the steelworks can be brought forward, providing real benefits to the local community, including land for employment, recreation and a variety of housing, from affordable units to apartments and family homes."

Banks staff will answer questions and note comments and ideas when the plans go on show in the St Anne's Centre on Wednesday, March 8, between 3pm and 6.30pm.

A copy of the outline planning application can be viewed at Wolsingham Library or in the parish council office in Wolsingham Town Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9am to noon.