TWO more houses can be built at the gateway to a sprawling housing estate after developers got the green light this week.

Residents and Spennymoor Town Council opposed an application by Arlington Real Estate (homes) Ltd for two four-bedroomed detached houses on Dean Lane, Spennymoor.

But when the proposal went before Durham County Council's area planning committee (south and west) on Thursday, members saw no reason to refuse it.

The committee heard approval was given for two houses on the corner of Green Lane and Watson Park, in January 2014 but was never used.

The site was subsequently split in half with one large house approved and currently under construction. The latest plan takes the total to three houses on the 0.1hectare site.

Planning officer Mark O’Sullivan said there were 14 letters of objection from residents, three from the same person, but it would be a sustainable development in an established residential area and recommended approval.

The objections included loss of light, privacy and visual amenity for neighbours, traffic problems and the visual impact on a prominent corner between DurhamGate and older properties in Green Lane.

Durham County Councillor Alan Gardner urged the committee to refuse consent, accusing Arlington of maximising profit with no social responsibility.

Councillor John Clare said it was difficult when local members and residents were vehemently against a plan, but could see no grounds for refusal. The scheme was approved unanimously.