QUESTIONS are being raised about a former steelworks site which is due to be redeveloped.

Weardale Castings and Engineering, in Wolsingham, County Durham, ceased trading in May 2008 after 140 years in the village.

Tow Law developer Banks was due to start work on 149 homes when the plant was levelled and decontaminated last year.

However, the company is still waiting for a Section 106 agreement to be cleared by Durham County Council.

These agreements obligate developers to contribute to services and infrastructure within their project’s area in exchange for planning permission.

A spokesman for the company said they remain committed to the site plans, passed by Wear Valley District Council in 2007, despite the delay.

“We are still working to resolve some outstanding planning issues and are keen to see the Wolsingham site redeveloped,”

he said.

Ward councillor John Shuttleworth said: “Hopefully another development will create jobs.

“It is an important site for Wolsingham, and the people living in the streets nearby want to see it tidied up.

“We need more developments such as the nearby Eastgate Renewable Energy Village to employ young people.”