A HOUSING association has won an appeal to build homes for elderly people on open ground near a village centre.

But Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association (Damha) will not be rushing to put up the eight two-bedroomed bungalow complex, because local people are bidding to win village green status for the site.

Planning inspector Robert Barker upheld the appeal by Damha, giving it the go-ahead to develop the homes on part of the land, which measures almost two acres, in Coalford Lane, High Pittington, near Durham City.

The association was also awarded its legal costs for the appeal hearing.

Mr Barker said that he felt a group of eight bungalows "would sit comfortably" with the adjacent residential area in High Pittington.

He said it would "relate well" to the village centre and "would not impinge" on the surrounding area.

Mr Barker allowed the appeal subject to conditions relating to ground works and landscaping on site.

He said that, although well used by local people, and a "valuable community resource", he could not consider the land as village green, as the registration process had not been completed.

Damha director John Humble said last night: "We are pleased with the outcome. We put an overwhelming case, which the inspector has agreed with. But we won't be rushing to do anything immediately."

Pittington Parish Council clerk Peter McCutcheon said the outcome was disappointing for the village.

He said: "It is a setback, but we still have the registration of the village green to come and we are working hard to ensure we win that."

A county council spokesman said an independent person might be brought in to consider the village green application because the land is in its ownership.

But the final decision would rest with the council's licensing and regulations committee