PLANS to convert a derelict pub into four flats have been given the green light.

Proposals to redevelop The Foresters Arms, in Collingwood Street, Coundon, for residential use were originally blocked by members of Durham County Council's area planning committee (south and west) in March, after Andrew Samuels, on behalf of the finance company that owns the site, put forward plans to convert the building into six flats.

Councillors rejected the plans based on the grounds that there was not enough natural light or ventilation to two of the flats as well as a lack of outdoor amenity space - a decision which was upheld on appeal in July.

The revised plans - which reduced the number of two-bedroom flats from six to four and almost doubled the amount of amenity space - came back to the committee on Thursday.

Durham County Councillor for Coundon, Charlie Kay, spoke against the plans and delivered a four-page petition to add to the 12 letters of objection the council had received from residents.

He said: "Coundon does not need anymore flats; it needs family homes for families."

Councillor Fraser Tinsley described the building as a "blight on the high street" and "on balance it's probably better that it's redeveloped".

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the application.