VILLAGERS are hoping to finally stave off the threat of pensioners' bungalows being built on their "village green".

The Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association (Damha) wants to build an eight-bungalow complex on open space at Coalford Lane, Pittington.

Earlier this year, Durham City Council's development control committee refused planning permission for the scheme.

The association has lodged an appeal against the decision and a public inquiry will be held in Durham Town Hall, on January 9.

Residents, who are strongly opposed to the development, hope that the planning inspector will back the council's decision.

They are worried about the loss of the space, which Pittington Parish Council is trying to get officially designated as a village green, which would bar development.

They also have concerns about road safety, say there is no demand for the bungalows and that the village has few facilities for elderly residents.

City councillors said the Damha scheme conflicted with policies in the council's draft local plan.

Pittington Parish Council has submitted evidence to the inquiry and chairman Bill Kellett said: "Hopefully the inspector will turn it down. There is no reason whatsoever for this site to be built on.

"This development is not a popular thing in the village. If housing went ahead on the site it would wreck the village.''

Damha says it developed the scheme because there is a need for housing for the elderly in the village. It has also pointed out that Durham County Council's highways department raised no objection on traffic grounds.

The association says the development would take only a third of the site, leaving the majority free for use by residents