RESIDENTS on a Consett estate opposed to new homes on their doorstep are resigned to 51 houses being built after losing a similar battle two years ago.

Broseley Homes has had its plans for the homes south of the Hallgarth estate at The Grove, Consett, recommended for approval by Derwentside District Council planning officers.

The proposal forms part of the second phase of building on the Hallgarth estate that has seen Miller Homes complete 78 homes.

Earlier this year it was given the go-ahead for 44 homes at the same site as the Broseley development.

The 78-home scheme was given planning permission two years ago despite fierce opposition from some residents on the nearby Grove estate.

Residents claim the development could disturb toxic chemicals embedded in the former steelworks site.

They say that poisons, including lead and zinc, could be released into the water supply if buried slag is disturbed by further building work.

Members of the Grove Action Group say that, like the initial development, this latest one will also cause traffic problems and a loss of wildlife in the nearby Derwent Valley.

Group secretary John Manwaring said: "People in this community are just about resigned to this latest development going ahead.

"There is very little we can do.

"However, we stand by our initial fears that the expansion plans are just a few yards away from an area of high toxicity.

"Old slag heaps are the cause of pollution, and who will be responsible if it leaches into the new homes? The homes would also cause a significant increase in traffic on narrow roads, especially Pemberton Road, Consett Lane and Priestman Avenue."

An independent study commisioned by Miller Homes two years ago concluded the land was safe, although residents refute its findings.

Despite receiving planning permission for its 44-home development, Miller Homes has yet to start work because it is thrashing out details of a bond which covers any work that may encroach on a nearby protected nature site.

The council's development control committee members will consider the latest proposals, on Tuesday next week.