HUNDREDS of new homes could be given planning permission next week.

Persimmon Homes Durham has submitted proposals for land north of Coaley Lane, Newbottle, near Houghton-le-Spring.

The housebuilder has consent for up to 130 homes on the site but has applied to Sunderland City Council to extend this by 11.

If approved, the 141-home estate would include a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and vehicles would access the site from Blind Lane and a pedestrian access would be provided to the east. The applicant aims to provide ten per cent affordable housing.

Planning officers say the plans conflict with policies around separation distances and ecology but, in a report for councillors, say, on balance, the scheme is considered acceptable.

Persimmon Homes Durham already has planning permission for 147 homes east of the Houghton-le-Spring site.

Hetton, Houghton and Washington development control sub-committee will consider the plan at Sunderland Civic Centre, on Tuesday, March 19.