COUNCILLORS have approved a housing development on derelict land last used by travellers.

Redwood Homes North-East wants to build 22 houses and flats, create parking and an access, at Commercial Road East, Coxhoe.

The site, at the north-western entrance to the village, was used for car sales by Coxhoe Commercials and more recently as a base for a family of travellers. Durham City Council gave outline planning permission for the homes in 2003.

The current application for detailed permission attracted two objections from residents in nearby West Terrace, who questioned the need for the homes and the safety of the access, and claimed the development could detract from the character and appearance of the village.

Head of environmental protection David Thorborrow told the development control committee that he thought the design brought together a potentially attractive form of development that will compliment ongoing improvements at the entrance to the village.

He said that he could not accept the scheme might threaten road safety as Durham County Council, the highways authority, did not object.