PLANS for a housing development on the edge of a small village have been approved by councillors who hope it will breathe new life into the community.

The housing estate is to be built on the outskirts of Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, in order to attract more families to live in the area.

Members of Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee have approved the plans for 67 homes on two hectares of farmland bordering Hallgarth and Cleveland View.

But the decision was met with anger by some villagers, who opposed the scheme, fearing the size of the development would detract from their close-knit community spirit.

Objectors had submitted a 124-name petition to the council calling for the application to be rejected on the grounds of extra traffic generation and loss of views over open fields.

They also called on the council to urge developers to look at previously developed land, including the former greyhound track at Low Spennymoor and disused allotments, before allowing use of green space for building.

However, council planning officials say there is a lack of suitable brownfield, or previously developed, land in the borough, and that the site lies in the area outlined for residential use.

The Middlestone ward has a mature population so a development that would attract younger families was to be welcomed, said planning officials.

Councillor Bill Waters is in favour of the plan, believing it will safeguard the future of local businesses, including the village post office and pub.

He said: "It could save the village. Providing new homes for young families must be good for local businesses and community facilities such as the church."

He said that although the local primary school was already full, attracting young people to the village would be good for its future.

Residents and visitors to the estate would use an access road created off Merrington Close, and the popular footpath in Beckwith Lane would be unaffected.

The houses would be mainly two storey homes, in 15 styles, grouped around four cul-de-sacs.

Permission was granted subject to several conditions, including future approval of details of landscaping, sheds, walls and planting.