PLANS to build two new homes on land in Summit Place, Lower Gornal, have been given the thumbs up.

Two three-bed semis will be built on a piece of "overgrown" land next to number 2 Summit Place.

One letter of objection was submitted by a neighbour with concerns including overshadowing and the removal of trees.

A report by council planners states: "The site is the bottom end of a rear garden located adjacent to existing residential properties, which is overgrown, unkept and in a poor state.

"The principle of redeveloping this site for residential purposes would be a positive step in line with national and local policy.

"It would comprise the redevelopment of a vacant site."

The report also states the new homes would meet part of the borough's housing needs.

The report goes on to say that a Coal Mining Risk Assessment "has also indicated the presence of recorded mine workings with the potential to impact surface stability and it says a programme of investigation and stabilisation is needed before any development."

The planning application, in the Gornal ward, was approved on May 16.