PLANS for a terrace of commercial units including a veterinary surgery on a derelict tract of land in the heart of an east Durham community have taken a step forward.

Durham County Council have approved proposals for three new units on the site of former Carlton Bingo in Sunderland Road, Horden, near Peterlee.

Zetland Estates have now submitted a further planning application with minor amendments to deal with the technical construction aspects of the scheme.

The site in close proximity to the junction between Coast Road and Shotton Road has been cleared in recent years and the surrounding area is mixed in character with a range of commercial uses.

One of the units will be used as a veterinary practice operated by Vets4Pets, whose nearest practices are in Hartlepool and Sunderland. An end user has not yet been identified for the second unit, which will have a flexible range of retail uses.

The third unit is expected to be occupied by a bakery chain.

According to the Zetland Estates’ planning statement the proposed development will secure the active re-use of this longstanding vacant site, while the proposed range of uses will “clearly enhance the overall vitality and viability of this part of Horden local shopping centre”.

The buildings will be constructed of a predominantly facing brickwork with composite metal cladding incorporated within the upper sections of the main elevation.

An ATM will be provided to the side of one of the units, while there will be dedicated parking to the front of the development, providing a total of 15 spaces.