PLANS to build homes in a former pit village have been welcomed by residents hoping they will spark a revival of their community.

Proposals have been made for more than 160 homes on part of a former colliery on the outskirts of West Cornforth.

Villagers hope families moving to the site will boost local facilities and businesses.

Banks Developments wants to build 154 houses with between two and five bedrooms, 12 apartments in two separate buildings, and create an area of open space.

The five-hectare site is presently used as a depot and offices.

Justin Hancock, development planner at The Banks Group, said: "The proposed scheme will bring underused industrial land back into use where it might otherwise fall vacant and will also bring significant investment into the village.

"The range of new housing being proposed will also meet a variety of needs, encouraging new people into the area, who will in turn support local shops, schools and services."

Nearly all of the 60 villagers who viewed details of the proposal at a public exhibition backed the scheme.

Dr Stephen Drew, chairman of Cornforth Parish Council, said: "People are over the moon about the potential new homes.

"They see it as a way of bringing fresh people to the area and hope there will be some affordable homes so local young people can stay in the area. It could keep the school going, support local community centres and facilities and go some way to revitalising shops."

Plans are also expected to be submitted for a second site.

The land, at Barratt Way, is owned by Sedgefield Borough Council and was originally earmarked for council houses but was never used.

It is in the process of being sold to a private developer for residential use.

Dr Drew said: "Again, people would welcome the extra houses, but there are fears over access to this site because the existing access road is not adequate for heavy vehicles."