EXECUTIVE housing is to be built on the site of a former hotel which has lain derelict for at least five years after councillors approved planning permission.

Approval has been granted for eight detached houses on the site of The Raven Inn, on Ebchester Hill near Consett after councillors voted unanimously to overturn a recommendation by planning officers to refuse permission.

Concerns were raised that the site was in an isolated, countryside location, but members of Durham County Council’s Area Planning Committee (North) today (Thursday, June 25) agreed the scheme after hearing the site had become an eyesore.

The 28-bed hotel closed six years ago and the buildings have since been demolished, leaving the site partially-covered with rubble.

In a report, planning officer Steve France told members: “The site is a blight on the landscape and has been for some time now.”

But, he added, officers felt the proposed development was unsustainable due to its isolated location. He said: “It is in the countryside, it’s remote from the nearest village of Ebchester and it is certainly not an easy walk to and from the village facilities”.

However, supporters pointed out the site was surrounded by neighbours on three sides and was close to a pub and garden centre, while there were a number of other properties along the length of the hill.

In 2009, permission was granted to build 17 houses on the site, but the development stalled due to the economic climate and planning consent lapsed.

Cllr Watts Stelling said: “This site cannot be left in its present state and this application will be economically beneficial to the area.”

Emma Winter, speaking on behalf of the developers, said: “The site is within the countryside, not within the Green Belt.

“The development of high quality housing will enhance the area by removing a site which is currently a blot on the landscape”.

“There are no adverse impacts which would significantly outweigh the benefits which development would bring.”

Local member Cllr Alan Shield proposed a counter motion overturning the officers’ recommendations and granting planning permission, saying there were already 75 properties on Ebchester Bank.

He said: “Yes it’s in the countryside, but it’s not alone, there are neighbours. This is not encroachment into the countryside.”

He was supported by Cllr Owen Temple, who represents nearby Consett. He said: “This is a well-known eyesore in the area. Even if we reject this, it doesn’t mean the land would be reinstated.”