COUNCILLORS have approved the development of up to 135 homes and a business park in a town near Newton Aycliffe.

Durham County Council’s planning committee this week unanimously voted through the plan for land north of West Chilton Terrace, in Chilton.

The outline application proposes the construction of the properties, 13 industrial units and an extension to Chilton Cemetery.

At present the layout would see the residential area located at the south east of the site with the commercial units bordering the A167 to the north and west.

The applicant, Esh Group, has given its assurance that 15 per cent of the housing will be deemed as affordable and it is hoped the business park will open up employment opportunities.

Access to the site will be via two locations on the unclassified highway, currently running along the east of the site.

Chilton Town Council supported the application and there was no opposition by any other bodies.

However, four letters of objection were received from members of the public which raised concerns over the lack of infrastructure, development of open space, traffic increase and lack of demand for new-build properties and industrial units.

But councillors in County Hall, in Durham, on Tuesday, voted in favour of the plan, subject to conditions.

Cllr John Clare said: “This area of the county is desperate to grow and develop.”

Planning permission for 135 properties was granted in 2014 for an area directly to the south of the application site which is currently being developed by Gleeson Homes.