A DEVELOPER'S plans to build new homes on a former factory site have been recommended for approval despite being previously rejected.

Gleeson Regeneration sought full planning permission for 75 houses on 2.35hectares of cleared industrial land near Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland, last year but the plans were unanimously rejected by councillors because it would not stump up £241,000 for road improvements.

However, a resubmission of the application is due to be discussed by councillors at the next Area Planning Committee (South and West) meeting tomorrow where it has been recommended for approval after agreeing to pay the sum.

The company wants to redevelop the old Chamberlain Phipps Coatings site, off Catkin Way, with a mix of two to four bed semi-detached and detached house all with gardens and off-street parking.

The committee previously heard how the scheme would bring jobs and use a brownfield site. However, the sticking point was the applicant’s refusal to pay what the council’s highways department deemed necessary to mitigate the impact extra traffic from residents.

Highways officers predicted the development would send 60 additional two-way traffic movements at rush hour to the already saturated Tindale Crescent junction- also busy with shoppers- increasing queues and delays.

They said road widening and traffic light reconfiguration is needed and Gleeson should pay £241,715.49 towards that work.

Builders of other housing schemes coming to the area all committed to pay but Gleeson felt its offer of almost £60,000 was enough.

Planning officer, Laura Eden said Gleeson was currently in the process of appealing the refused application but had "reluctantly agreed" to move the application forward by paying the sum even though "the developer continues to strongly dispute the viability of the contribution or whether it is actually required".

The meeting will be held at the council's Spennymoor offices at 2pm.