A PLANNING application has been lodged to build six houses on the site of a former country pub.

The Jingling Gate at West Pelton, near Stanley was a popular party venue during the 1970s and 80s, but closed more than a decade ago.

The empty building was severely damaged in a fire in September 2008.

The following year, an application to build four buildings mixing living and work space alongside with two holiday properties on the site was approved, but work did not start and permission lapsed.

An application has now been submitted to Durham County Council to build six properties on the site.

A report submitted to the council in support of the application described the area as an “eyesore site”.

It adds: “Quite simply, this site is derelict, brownfield and has no beneficial use as it is.

“It will never be economic to turn this site over to green fields, the countryside or agriculture.

“The live/work units and holiday lets that were previously proposed are not considered to be economic or sustainable