DEVELOPERS are hoping their second bid to build 250 flats and houses on a derelict industrial site will get a council’s backing.

Builders St Modwen Ventures Limited are again seeking permission to create the estate on the former Corus site in Whessoe Road, Darlington, after including affordable housing in the plans.

Darlington Borough Council rejected the first attempt in June because no affordable housing was included in the plans.

Now, the company’s resubmitted application is offering ten per cent of the estate as affordable housing, which will be split equally between shared equity schemes for buyers and social housing.

Although exact numbers are not specified, the plans say the estate would be made up of two, three and four bedroom houses along with one and two bedroom flats.

Plans for the estate also show two children’s play areas and space for a public art installment.

Steve Prosser, regional director of St Mowden, said he was hopeful the scheme would gain planning permission this time.

“The reason it was refused earlier this year, in many respects, was because the council and St Mowden ran out of time to deal with the issues.

“There were no affordable homes being provided and that was left unresolved. That was the real linchpin of why the original application was refused.

“The difference is now there is an element of affordable housing provided. We have spent most of the summer in more or less continual dialogue with the council over the various issues. We would like to think they have been resolved.”

Many local residents have leant their support to the scheme as they are keen to see the eyesore site cleaned up.

In December last year, the developers sent out 710 letters about the scheme to nearby residents. A public exhibition day was also held at St George's Bridge Club. Out of 34 people who completed a questionnaire about the plan, 33 said they were in favour of it.

Sections of the site have been empty for more than two years, and have become a magnet for vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Part of the land will be occupied by Corus-owned Tinsley Trailers until 2012.

If planning permission is granted, work would begin next year.