PLANS to develop the site of a former hospital in Chester-le-Street has come up against opposition from residents.

Miller Homes North East wants to build 26 detached homes and 78 apartments on the site of the former Highfield Hospital, off Newcastle Road.

But residents living near the area say the homes would be too densely situated on the land and the three-storey flats would be too high.

Some home-owners recently held a meeting at the Civic Centre for people with concerns about the plans, which was attended by 84 residents.

One protestor, Enid Moss, of Highfield Drive, said: "At least 30 of us have written in to the council to complain that the houses would be vastly over-crowded and it is in a residential area.

"Round here, the highest buildings are two-storey homes.

"There's not going to be any green space left."

The plans involve demolishing the buildings, which were opened as a hospital for infectious diseases in the 1890s.

The hospital facilities were recently moved to a new site, which has opened at the south end of Front Street.

The four and five-bedroomed homes and two-bedroomed apartments would be built on the site of the hospital and an adjacent grassed area. As well as private housing, the development would also include some affordable homes.

Chester-le-Street district councillor Chris Jukes said residents' concerns ranged from traffic problems to environmental issues.

He will be speaking on behalf of residents when the proposals come up for discussion at the council's planning meeting at the Civic Centre on Monday.

Planning officers have recommended the plans for approval.

Coun Jukes said: "I understand that residents see the redevelopment of the old hospital site as a positive move. However, there are very definitely aspects of the proposed application that appear to be giving residents some concern."

A spokeswoman for Miller Homes said the company had given a lot of thought to the appearance of the development. She said: "The residential proposal for the derelict former hospital site has been given careful consideration in terms of design, visual amenity, layout, integration and choice of material to provide a qualitative scheme that enhances the appearance and character of the area.

"The scheme as submitted has been procured through detailed discussion with the local planning authority to ensure the scheme gives full regard to the site sensitivities."