FLATS plagued by anti-social behaviour and vandalism are to be knocked down and replaced with bungalows for older residents.

The 24 two-storey apartments and 17 garages on Maple Avenue and Firtree, Shildon will be demolished under Livin’s plan, now approved unanimously by Durham County Council.

They will be replaced by 15 bungalows for over-55 and disabled residents. The applicant said all the flats were vacant and residents had been rehoused.

Read more: Why a closure order was made for this County Durham house

Senior planning officer Mark O’Sullivan said some of the properties were boarded up and the garages were “prone to anti-social behaviour”.

He said there were no objections and planning officers recommended approval, which was given by the planning committee.

The Northern Echo: Cllr Liz Brown Picture: KATIE RICHARDSON.

Cllr Liz Brown Picture: KATIE RICHARDSON

Shildon councillor Shirley Quinn said: “There’s been several problems with the flats.

“Predominantly there’ve been older people in the bottom flats and younger people in the top, and that mixture just does not work. There’s been a lot of vandalism in the area.

“I do believe that moving towards these bungalows is the best way forward. I think these properties will let themselves.”

Cllr Liz Brown said: “It’s a no-brainer really, isn’t it?”

The committee heard from the developer, in response to environmental concerns, that the homes would include cardon reduction, low-carbon heating and solar panels.

And the developer was looking at making two of the homes zero carbon in a pilot scheme, using battery storage.

Cllr Brown said: “That’s absolutely marvellous. Why aren’t you shouting it from the rooftops?”

Cllr Isabella Roberts said: “I totally agree with this application. It would enhance the area and at the same time provide the housing for the elderly.

“We know first-hand what anti-social behaviour is like.”

Cllr David Boyes said: “Speaking as a former director of a housing board, I know how tight some of these budgets are with regards to the housing developments.

“I think we would all like to have all-singing dancing totally green carbon-neutral footprints on these properties but sometimes you’ve just got to go with what they can afford and what the area can afford.

“I’m quite happy with these proposals going forward.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054