PLANS for a major housing development on the edge of an east Durham town with the promise of a £100m to the economy have been submitted to planning officers.

The proposals for up to 900 homes are earmarked for a 50-hectare site to the north-east of Peterlee, close to the A19.

The Stockton-based Southlands Management has applied to Durham County Council for outline planning permission to build up to 900 homes on land north of Lowhills Road, Peterlee.

The company says the development will generate 85 full-time jobs in construction and related industries, with about 100 “spin-off” jobs and 50 retail jobs.

The application follows consultation by Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) on behalf of Southland.

Around 70 people attended a meeting at Peterlee’s Moorcock pub, where some residents argued against the plans, expressing concerns over traffic problems and the joining of Peterlee and neighbouring Easington.

Some people suggested the run-down North East Industrial Estate would be more suitable.

NLP associate director Neil Westwick said: “In general residents were happy to see new development and investment in the Peterlee area.

“Most of the concerns raised were in relation to site-specific issues, rather than the principle of a residential development in this location.

He added, following consultation, a number of changes were incorporated into the scheme, including traffic management measures and flood risk mitigation.

The site has been identified by the county council to meet Peterlee’s future housing requirements.

If approved the development would include the creation of woodland walks, wildlife areas and the retention of two existing fields for agricultural use, close to the hamlet of Little Thorpe.