PLANS to convert a dilapidated former football stadium into a housing estate are back on the cards, less than a month after developers withdrew their application.

Esh Group withdrew its plans for Darlington's former Feethams ground at the end of September but said it was committed to the project, once amendments were made.

The development group has re-submitted its plans for the site, which includes 146 homes, of which 21 are affordable housing or social-rented accommodation.

Borough ward councillor Cyndi Hughes said that the previous outstanding issues had been addressed and the application could even go before planners before the end of the year.

Feethams was last used for football in 2003, since when it has been the subject of vandalism and arson attacks. It was demolished in 2006.

A long consultation process, concerns about access to the site and a dip in the housing market have delayed the project.

Esh Group's plans feature 79 apartments and 46 houses and an additional 21 affordable homes - in a mix of flats, bungalows and three-bedroomed houses.

Access would be via South Terrace on a new road between the cricket club and the River Skerne.

Esh Group's initial plans were submitted at the end of June but were withdrawn in September to address concerns with social housing provision, cycle paths and highways matters.

In its application, Esh Group said: "The inclusion of affordable housing will allow local people the opportunity to rent of buy a property at affordable rates and deals with one of the primary issues identified in the community strategy."

A letter from Brian Johnson, from Darlington Cricket Club, is included in the application.

He said the freehold was vested with Feethams Cricket Field Trust and that Darlington Cricket Club, as owners of a long leasehold, would receive the bulk of the land sale.

His letter added: "Any moneys arising from the sale of this site must be invested in the furtherance of support in this cricket club."

The club hoped to build an indoor school for the club and wider community.

Coun Hughes said: "I will be examining the application with a fine tooth comb. I, along with many residents would love to see the site developed as soon as possible, however, the site's location and its history means we need to get it absolutely right and that has, unfortunately taken some time."