A NORTH-EAST pub could have six houses built behind it a planning application has revealed.

The Red Lion pub on Front Street in Chester-le-Street could be the site of a new proposed development for the erection of six three-bedroomed houses.

The site currently contains the function room for the pub which is, according to the planning and heritage report: "Of poor quality and has long been redundant."

The site also contains a public open space, seating and tree planting which are currently protected by their location in the conservative area.

The six houses could be Victorian style terraces with bay windows and dormers at the front.

Garden space could be accommodated for by setting the building line back from the road as well retaining the current maple trees either side.

A minimum of one car parking space per dwelling could be achieved as well as two visitor spaces also being included.

lIn other planning applications this week, the demolition of a building in Crook could see the erection of five dormer bungalows.

Currently the application site is an area of brownfield land that had been previously used for commercial purposes including a Council depot.

The site is also located near existing residential and commercial properties and a number of primary and secondary schools.

According to the design and access statement, the development would have "a positive impact on the vitality and viability of the local centre" and could "remove a site that could potentially cause anti-social behaviour."

lAnother application revealed the possible conversion of a Former Christian Centre to form a private dwelling on Watling Terrace Willington in Crook.

The development would consist of mostly interior works and an ecological report recommended that a free hanging bat box may be situated in a tree to he southeast of the development to account for any bat populations in the area.

lOther applications included the change of use from a hot food takeaway to a dental clinic to building on Gibside in Chester-le-Street.

The development could see a new glazed shop front.

lAn application for the change of use from a methodist church to a mixed use incorporation church hall and dance and music school was also submitted this week.

For 12 years The Polka School of Dance has been operating from a Community Centre.