COUNCILLORS have approved an application to amend planning permission so a further 27 homes can be build on a former factory site.

Avant Homes can now create a total of 230 houses on the former British Oxygen site on the edge of Chester-le-Street.

Plans for 203 homes on the brownfield land on Vigo Lane were approved by Durham County Council last April, and, following a meeting at County Hall, on Tuesday, the developer can now expand its scheme.

Although people living near the site have complained about ongoing work in the past, no objections to the application were received by the local authority.

Durham Constabulary’s architectural liaison officer did raise concerns that the density of the development, and likely high level of car ownership, could result in conflict between residents.

Senior planning officer Graham Blakey advised councillors the scheme should be approved.

As part of its application statement, Avant Homes said: “The development proposes a range of family housing which has been informed through discussions with both the council and local residents.

“The development will provide 34 affordable homes, offering a mix of two and three bedroom properties.”