PLANS have been approved to build a new house on a former pub’s car park in a Teesdale village.

Durham County Council’s planning committee approved the plan for the car park behind the former Black Swan in Staindrop.

Staindrop Parish Council raised concerns about the three bedroom two-storey house at the end of Swan Wynd behind Front Street as it lies within the village’s conservation area.

They also objected due to the increase in traffic that a home would mean for the narrow back lane to the house.

The county council’s highways department said they did not believe the home would generate more traffic than the pub had.

Three letters of objection were also sent in to the council, with neighbours also raising concerns about an increase in traffic, especially as plans have already been approved to convert the former pub into five homes.

Planning officer Adam Williamson had recommend the plans be approved, and councillors supported him at the meeting.