A FURNITURE store and petrol station could be pulled down to make way for housing if the plans are approved later this month.

Wear Valley District Council's planners will consider a proposal to demolish the disused Save filling station and Clifton Suite and Leather Centre at Tindale Crescent, near Bishop Auckland.

The site of the garage and furniture store, which is to close at the end of the month, could then be developed by Elegant Homes and Properties Ltd and the owner of the plot, Charles Moore, both based in Darlington.

Most of the 70 proposed homes will be two-bedroom flats, aimed at first-time buyers and pensioners, and there will be four executive flats in a separate building. The buildings will be mainly two storey with a combination of brick, rendering and stone.

Land in the centre of the plot would be landscaped and used to provide a car parking space for each flat.

The plans have angered many residents, who have sent objections to the district council over the proposals.

They are concerned that the site, which is near a set of traffic lights and in an already busy industrial and commercial area, would create extra road hazards.

One neighbour said: "The roads are already busy. There are lots of lorries and cars which travel to the factories and businesses and these flats would only create more traffic. The site is surrounded by roads on all sides and I cannot see how it will be safe for the people living there, especially if there are children or older people."

Other residents have also raised concerns about the density of the development, the prominence of it and affect on house values.

Mr Moore said: "I think the town is crying out for this sort of property, they will be affordable and will add character to the area.

"They have been designed so they will not block light, and will generate less traffic than the showroom and garage when they were running."

Planning officers have recommended that permission be granted when it goes before the council's development control committee on January 29.