Plans to build 18 homes and a supported living unit in Bishop Auckland are set to be refused by councillors, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Developer Oaktree Living has applied to build the properties on land east of Holdforth Crescent, between South Church Road (A689) and the Weardale Railway Line.
The proposal states it would provide “100 per cent affordable housing”, although planning documents show only two of the proposed homes would meet the council’s affordable housing policy requirements.
The latest application follows the refusal of an earlier scheme by Durham County Council’s planning committee in November 2023.
At the time, councillors criticised the development’s design and the level of affordable housing provision.
Following that decision, the developer entered into pre-application discussions with council officers to address the concerns and submit a revised proposal.
The new plans include significant engineering works to raise land levels across the eastern part of the site to accommodate the development.
However, planning officers have recommended that councillors refuse the application when they meet on Thursday (June 18).
A report to the committee said four objections had been received from members of the public, raising concerns about visual impact, residential amenity, highway safety, ecology, flooding and the availability of local facilities and services.
Despite consultations with relevant bodies, officers concluded the proposal failed to demonstrate it would be an appropriate form of development.
The report states the scheme would represent “poor design that would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area and would not adequately manage surface water on the site.”
Officers also said insufficient information had been provided to show the development would achieve the required 10 per cent biodiversity net gain or avoid adverse impacts on protected species.
Concerns were also raised over the lack of evidence demonstrating how the proposed housing mix would meet identified local needs and whether an appropriate range of affordable homes would be delivered.
Planning officers have recommended refusal on four grounds relating to design, flood risk, biodiversity and affordable housing provision.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
