AN application has been made seeking permission for self-build plots on a former maternity hospital in east Durham.

Woodside Leisure Ltd has made the application to Durham County Council for 32 self-build plots on the former Thorpe Maternity Hospital, near Easington village.

In 2015, permission was granted for up to 50 houses on the same site, which is located off Andrews Lane and has been unused since the hospital, which closed in the 1980s, was demolished.

The company says the plots would be available for buyers to design and construct their own properties, within a prescribed design code.

Plots would be of different sizes to cater for a range of budgets.

The application says one plot would be sold for affordable housing, which could bring forward three affordable dwellings.

A statement made to Durham County Council says: "The proposal would provide a suitable use of the site that compliments and protect existing landscape with a sustainable housing development that can be delivered immediately.

The plots would be accessed from Andrews Lane and a new junction created.

Woodside Leisure says individual plot designs will be delivered within 12 months of the start on site to minimise disruption to others.

The plans can be viewed and comments made by visiting www.durham.gov.uk.