Homes proposal deferred amid local concerns

Plans for a new housing estate in a County Durham town have been deferred amid several concerns from councillors, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bill Edgar.

Developer Miller Homes applied to build 99 homes and a community park on land west of Gladstone Terrace, Coxhoe.

A mix of bungalows and two, three, four, and five-bedroomed homes is proposed, including several available at an affordable rate.

Miller Homes said the “much-needed” housing would be built alongside the introduction of a Park and Stride scheme – a suitable parking area to alleviate issues with the nearby Coxhoe Primary School drop off and pick up.

However, residents raised concerns over the impact the new homes would have on local school places, traffic, and the likelihood of locals being disturbed by barking dogs.

Stray Aid, an animal rehoming centre, is located next to the proposed site. 

Following a site visit, councillor Kenny Hope told a Durham County Council planning committee: “Regardless of whatever acoustic blocking system is put in, when the dogs bark in the evening, that will affect the population moving into these properties.

“If these complaints start coming in, Stray Aid will have to move somewhere, and I don’t think that is fair.”

Coxhoe Parish Council said it supports the proposal, but calls for a greater financial contribution towards the local primary school to create additional pupil places.

Similar concerns were previously raised last year when 83 homes were approved by the council.

Jan Blakey, county councillor for Bowburn and Coxhoe, told the meeting: “Access to the school has already created an issue with cars parking on the entrance and the mini roundabout and motorway bridge, with the safety of the children and their carers often hazardous.”

Miller Homes said it altered the proposal in response to residents’ comments.

Sean Hedley, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: “The proposal underpins the applicant’s commitment to delivering much-needed, quality homes in the county, providing other significant economic and social benefits directly to the residents of Coxhoe.”

But the local concerns were supported by committee member Cllr Mark Wilkes, who said: “It’s very clear to me that the area is not safe for a load of kids, and potentially nursery children, to be walking across a bus gate with no proper crossing points. 

“I envisage that the entrance site will be carnage.

“You will have huge vehicles driving in and out of an active site for building houses.”

Members agreed to defer a final decision until further information was provided on highways and school issues, as well as the financial contribution from the applicant.