THE remains of a former granary building could be used to create a new building.

The building in Front Street North, Trimdon, was demolished in 1999 after becoming dilapidated and unsafe.

Owner Derek Parkinson has applied for planning permission to build a house using stone from the granary.

An application to build home behind the site was refused by Sedgefield Borough Council recently.

But planning officers have recommended the new plan for approval at Friday's development control committee meeting.

It is Mr Parkinson's second application to build a house on the site. In 1999, the borough council said he demolished the building before conservation area consent was granted, and refused to consider the plans.

Gordon Wright, chairman of Trimdon Parish Council, said: "The granary was really dilapidated and became very dangerous with the slates slipping off the roof. I think the development will have a lot of character."