A bid to build 18 new homes on the edge of Ferryhill has been approved, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The new housing development will be built on land at Dean & Chapter allotments in Dean Bank.
Outline planning permission for the new homes on an underutilised area of land, currently populated by several outbuildings, was voted through by Durham County Council’s planning committee.
The applicant, Mr Berriman, said the new development will improve the character of the area. Further details around the type of homes are expected to be revealed at a later date.
A statement added: “The settlement benefits from a range of commercial, employment and education facilities which are well connected. The site is therefore considered to be suitable for residential development and would likewise be compatible with its surroundings.
“The applicant is seeking to make the best use of a disused parcel of land in order to provide additional housing within the area. The development would provide a logical extension to the existing settlement, reflecting the built form of the village in terms of design and layout.”
Members of Ferryhill Town Council urged the developer to protect a nearby access road due to its historical links to popular local artist Norman Cornish.
The former miner and painter from Spennymoor created iconic portrayals of the now-lost coal industry, but are remembered proudly by local, regional, and increasingly national communities.
The former pit road will run alongside the new access road for the 18 properties.
A town council statement read: “There is enough visual evidence to suggest that this particular pit road has been immortalised in several of Norman Cornish’s paintings. The path, especially at the Ferryhill end, is in a parlous state. A significant planning gain would therefore be to request that the developer protect, enhance, and certainly not encroach on it.”
People living on Durham Road and Saddler Street raised concerns about the congestion that the increased volume of traffic will cause.
People living in homes in the vicinity say they already face “considerable disruption” due to multiple HGVs, tipper lorries and delivery vehicles visiting the nearby industrial estate.
“Residents have formed a group and have lobbied Durham County Council for over four years, evidencing the imminent dangers related to the inadequate junction and high number of vehicular traffic,” a submission read.
“Adding more traffic will only increase the risk of a serious accident or worse.”
Yet, despite the concerns, councillors voted to approve the application.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
