PLANNERS have given the go-ahead for a former pub to be demolished and a small housing estate to be built in its place.

However, a proposal to turn separately-owned agricultural land next to the Brown Jug, at Evenwood Gate, near Bishop Auckland, into another estate was knocked back.

Durham County Council's south and west area planning committee was told the removal of the pub would be of significant benefit to the village, even though anything other than minor development would not normally be considered.

Although the plan was submitted in outline, the proposals indicated 13 properties would be built on the former pub site and councillors voted unanimously in favour of the scheme.

Much more contentious were proposals for the adjacent land, on Evenwood Lane.

A previous attempt by applicant Martin Fenwick to secure outline planning permission was rejected and the decision upheld on appeal.

Councillors were told that in effect, nothing had changed with this latest proposal and while there was scope for a smaller development on part of the land, the larger plan as presented was unacceptable.

Evenwood Parish Council objected on the grounds that the scheme was still too large for Evenwood Gate.

Another 39 letters of objection were received, while nine letters and a 56-name petition supporting both the Brown Jug scheme and Mr Fenwick's proposal were submitted.

Mr Fenwick told councillors his development would boost the area, leading to a vibrant and prosperous Evenwood Gate.

Barnard Castle East's Councillor George Richardson also backed the scheme, saying the area was nothing more than scrubland.

However, his proposal to go against the officers' recommendation to refuse outline planning permission was defeated 6-4.