AN eyesore site on the edge of a village is to be redeveloped.

Durham County Council yesterday (Wednesday, September 2) granted planning permission for a redevelopment of the former sawmill site in Wolsingham.

Developers were given outline approval to demolish buildings on the six-hectare site next to Ward Terrace and build up to 66 houses, 15 per cent of which would be affordable.

The application includes just under 2,000 sq metres of light industrial units, which would allow existing businesses to relocate to better premises, as well as gardens, paths and landscaping to screen the development from the village.

The council received four letters of objection to the scheme, which were primarily concerned about flooding risk.

However, Councillor Anita Savory, one of the councillors representing the town, spoke in support of the application at the authority’s County Planning committee meeting at County Hall in Durham City.

“The site is currently an eyesore. The industry which operates from the site as it stands now has no screening,” she said.

“The proposed development will enhance the entrance and exit from the village.

“It will protect jobs which are important to Weardale and it will bring new and necessary housing to the village.

“The development will breathe new life into a tired and exhausted area of the village.”

Members of the committee voted unanimously to grant outline planning permission for the development.

Committee member, Councillor John Clare said: “It is an absolutely smashing development.”