Most of the 250 flats in the Sunderland Road area of Gateshead, earmarked by the council for demolition, are empty.

But a small number of residents facing compulsory purchase orders for their homes, were against the move and asked for a public inquiry to decide.

A government planning inspector visited the area in April and has now ruled plans for new homes are "entirely merited" and in the "public interest."

Coun David Bollands, who is responsible for housing in the borough, welcomed the news.

Unscrupulous landlords

He said: "This decision will enable us to clear a large number of abandoned properties.

"The new housing development which is planned for the site will inject new life into the whole area - we want a stable, happier community."

The area's problems can be blamed on a lack of demand for rented housing and unscrupulous landlords giving tenancies to criminals and troublemakers, a council spokesman said.

Coun Bollands said the council would work hard to ensure remaining householders received compensation and help to find new homes.

The roads set to go include Beech Street, John Street, Jane Eyre Terrace, Allhusen Terrace, Bronte Street, Emily Street, Ford Street and sections of Sunderland Road.

Around three-quarters of the houses are now empty, but nearly 30 are still occupied and many of these residents have lived in the area for decades.

A spokesman for Gateshead Council added: "We do sympathise with residents as some do face a negative equity situation."