PLANS for homes and a games area on the site of a disused school have been welcomed by councillors.

Horden Parish Council is backing the proposal by Alexander Developments to build 41 homes on the site of the former Horden Dene Special School, which has stood empty for five years.

The council has welcomed the plan to create a multi-use games area for youngsters as part of the development.

Councillors said the southern end of the village had no proper sporting facilities and all the local schools have enclosed playing fields so that youngsters have nowhere to play.

But Sport England said it was "minded" to object to the games area. It said the area was not well located to serve local needs and could lead to objections from residents of the development about youngsters gathering there.

The organisation also said no changing facilities were proposed and that it was concerned about proposals for the future management and maintenance of the play area.

Durham Wildlife Trust said a survey of bats in buildings and trees should be carried out before work starts.

But Easington District Council's development control and licensing panel will be recommended to approve the plan when it meets tomorrow.

Ian Forster, head of planning and building control services, said the proposal was considered to be "complementary to the regeneration aims for the Horden South ward, and indeed, the Horden area as a whole".