COUNCILLORS have approved a housing scheme after the developeres agreed to pay for a 20mph zone outside a school to address concerns about safety.

Prince Bishop Homes already had permission build 24 homes in St Cuthbert’s Avenue, in Sacriston, granted by Durham County Council in April, but wanted to change the access to the site.

The approved scheme would be accessed via St Cuthbert’s Way but the developer wanted to use Front Street instead.

The new proposal has been met with opposition from local residents, the head teacher of nearby St Bedes Roman Catholic Primary School and Sacriston Parish Council, with most objections relating to road safety and traffic problems.

A area planning committee meeting was told the firm had agreed to pay about £9,000 to put a 20mph zone in the street, as well as road education and leafleting. It will form part of the sale agreement between council and the developer.

During building work a footpath leading to the school playing fields will have to be closed for a period. The company has agreed to provide children with high-visibility jackets while an alternate route is used.

The three and four-bedroom homes would be built on a land adjacent to Front Street, and will comprise affordable homes, available as a “rent to buy”.