PLANS have been drawn up to demolish what remains of a once-great factory and replace it with houses, signalling the end of an era for a town.

The developers behind DurhamGate at Thinford, near Spennymoor, County Durham, want consent to pull down the last bit of the old Black & Decker power tools plant.

CAST (Carillion Arlington Spennymoor Trust) has applied to Durham County Council for planning permission to flatten the block.

That would make way for Taylor Wimpey to build 131 houses, the details of which are subject to a separate application. The land is already earmarked for housing as part of a wider mixed use scheme for the area.

Black & Decker used to occupy much of the DurhamGate site and was a major employer in the town- providing lifelong jobs to entire families.

As recently as 2000, the plant employed 2,300 people and made 14 million tools a year but production has gradually moved overseas.

A masterplan to regenerate the site aims to incorporate business, living and leisure at a gateway to the town and in a good location for commuters into Durham City and easy access onto the A1 motorway.

In 2010 the eastern part of the factory was cleared and work began on the flagship DurhamGate development which now includes homes, a pub and offices.

Just the western building, which houses a factory outlet shop and remaining staff including design, purchasing and marketing teams who will move to nearby premises, is still standing.

A decision on the demolition scheme is pending and if approved will go ahead next Spring.

A decision is expected by December 23 on the housing proposal and construction could start next summer.

It includes the creation of a green spine along the heart of DurhamGate to provide footpaths and ecological links to its surroundings, recreational space for workers and residents and a buffer between homes and commerce.

Allan Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “This is another significant part of our masterplan becoming reality, which will further enhance the growing and already vibrant community here at DurhamGate, with high-quality homes and well-designed green spaces and public realm for residents and visitors to enjoy.”