A BID for outline planning permission to build six houses on gardens in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, have been submitted to the district council.

The plans involve building four homes and two bungalows on land between Heathmeads and Victoria Terrace, currently used by homeowners on Victoria Terrace as gardens or for storage or drying washing.

Planning officers have recommended the plans are refused. It is thought the development would devalue surrounding properties, building an access road to the site would require trees to be felled and open space used by the local community would be lost.

At Chester-le-Street District Council's recent planning and licensing committee meeting, councillors decided to defer their decision for a site visit to find out more information.