Residents have launched a last-ditch plea to oppose plans for a main road just metres from their gardens, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The proposed route in Bowburn, County Durham, is part of plans to expand the Integra 61 industrial development.
Locals have branded the proposed Bowburn Development Route (BDR) as “unacceptable” and fear it could impact their daily lives.
But Citrus Durham, the developer, said it would help reduce traffic along the congested A177 route in Bowburn.
It is part of plans for phase two of the Integra 61 manufacturing site, which Citrus says could create up to 4,500 new jobs and generate £170 million annually.
Durham County Council’s planning committee is due to vote on the application at a meeting on Wednesday.
Lynn Hodgson, who lives on The Grange estate, warned that a four-metre-high acoustic barrier would run directly behind their gardens and obstruct the landscape views.
She said: “The proposed structure would dominate the outlook of nearby homes, overshadow gardens, and create an oppressive visual and environmental barrier.
“Its industrial scale is wholly inappropriate in a residential context.
“Families face the daily reality of a wall-like barrier encroaching on their private space, with no meaningful buffer or transition from industrial use to residential living.”
A total of 116 objections have been submitted against the latest proposal ahead of Wednesday’s committee meeting, with nearby parish councils also raising concerns over the increased amount of traffic the development would bring to local roads.
Mrs Hodgson has lived on the estate for 10 years and chose her current home due to the sprawling countryside views from her garden. Various wildlife species, including deer and badgers, have regularly been spotted, but now residents fear that tranquillity could be lost.
An ongoing proposal to reopen the Leamside Line, which the homes also overlook, has compounded matters.
Mrs Hodgson added: “Nobody likes the HGVs rattling through the centre of Bowburn, passing very close to houses, but it’s not a solution.”
Persimmon Homes, the developers of the estate, said previous planning permission showed that the land was “safeguarded for ‘a potential Bowburn Relief Road’”.
Citrus said it had conducted a noise, air and visual impact study to find ways to mitigate issues.
A planning statement added: “Citrus has been working proactively with officers over an extensive period to develop an outline scheme which sets parameters to ensure the forthcoming development is acceptable in terms of its impacts on the highways network, landscape and natural environment and is compliant with planning policy.
“Citrus look forward to continuing to work with the council to deliver a highly sustainable employment development to support the development of the county and the region, and we hope that members can support the officer’s recommendation.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
