A PLANNING wrangle over the design of a house on the site of a former granary could be resolved tomorrow.

The dispute over the site, in Front Street North, Trimdon, began in 1999, when owner Derek Parkinson applied for permission to demolish the granary.

Sedgefield Borough Council wanted the building repaired and converted, but Mr Parkinson disagreed and went ahead with the demolition.

As a result, his application to build a three-bedroom house on the site was withdrawn from the agenda and no decision was taken. An appeal was dismissed in February last year.

After a recent review of outstanding cases, officers reopened discussions with Mr Parkinson relating to the design of the house.

As a result, a new application has been submitted which will use stone from the granary and a more traditional frontage.

A report to the council's development control committee tomorrow says: "The replacement building cannot be treated as just any other ordinary old building. It is important, therefore, to achieve a sensitive rebuild of the granary for residential use, ensuring that the original distinctive features of the structure are replicated."

Planning officials say the new application meets the requirements and are recommending approval.

Committee members will visit the site tomorrow.