PLANS have been unveiled for a major housing scheme on the site of former council offices in an east Durham community.

Persimmon has applied to Durham County Council for permission to build 80 new homes on the site of the former Easington District Council offices in Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery.

Neil Foster, managing director for Persimmon Homes Teesside, said: “It is envisaged that the development could bring a welcome boost of more than £1m to the local economy each year and will create employment during its construction.

“It is hoped that the scheme will bring a prominent brownfield site back into use, improving the visual amenity of the area in the process.

“The proposed units will range in size from two-bedroom starter homes right through to larger four-bedroom detached dwellings.

“Within this range of housing, the proposal will provide eight affordable units to ensure that the scheme caters for, and appeals to, a wide spectrum of the housing market.”

He added: “The existing memorial garden, planted to commemorate former councillors, will be transformed into the focal point of the development to create a tranquil area in which people can relax and enjoy the natural environment.

“It will give the development a natural, mature feel and allow the site to blend effortlessly into the existing street scene.

“Demolition of the majority of the former council offices has already taken place with the remaining two buildings on the site set to be demolished once planning approval has been granted.”

A full tree survey has been carried out with plans to conserve, where possible, a tree belt along the northern boundary of the site.

While some trees may be lost, the developers plan to offset this with bat and bird boxes.

The site was first developed as the home of the local workhouse in the mid 19th century, before being converted into a hospital at the beginning of the last century. It later evolved into the Easington District Council offices.

The furniture and fittings of the grand Edwardian council chamber have been saved and taken to Beamish Museum, near Stanley.

Some of the furniture has been put to use in the museum’s Bank Boardroom, while the rest has been placed in storage.