PLANNING permission is being sought to build 64 hew houses in Barnard Castle.

The proposed development would be on five-acres of land at Green Lane, near Barnard Castle School, and would comprise a mixture of two, three, four and five-bedroom family homes in the form of detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings.

There would be a small number of three-storey houses and parking provision including bays and garages, both integral and detached.

About five per cent of the development would provide affordable housing.

The application has been submitted on behalf of Barratt David Wilson Homes, linked with Barnard Castle School, which has already applied for planning and conservation area permission and listed building consent to build a new sixth form centre in its courtyard.

Nearby residents have raised concerns over an increase in traffic being caused by the development, as well as worries over the adequacy of the access road.

The plans will be discussed by members of Barnard Castle Town Council during a special meeting at The Witham, on Monday, March 10, at 6pm.

A planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council and will be discussed by the authority in the near future.