Resubmitted plans for 70 homes in Leeholme have been approved despite hundreds of objections from residents, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Durham County Council’s planning committee approved an application by Gleeson Homes for the new estate on land near Buckingham Terrace.
The housing developer will build a mix of bungalows and two, three and four-bedroom homes. Of the 70 homes, seven will be available as ‘affordable’.
However, a total of 199 objections were sent to the local authority, raising concerns about infrastructure capacity, accessibility to services, highway safety, flooding, contamination risks, tree loss and the impact on wildlife.
Shaun McManners, who lives in Leeholme, described the land as an “outdoor community hub” regularly used by residents as a place to play and host events and said it should be protected from development.
He told the committee: “Leeholme proudly houses the miners of Leasingthorne Colliery and streets of houses were built in the 1920s. This proposal couldn’t be further from that and will destroy the look and history of Leeholme.”
Traffic in the area is already beyond capacity, councillors were told, with roads effectively becoming single-lane routes due to the volume of parked cars.
The concerns were supported by James Stephenson, Reform Shildon and Dene Valley ward councillor, who said: “Leeholme does not offer the range of services, employment opportunities or public transport links required to support an additional 70 dwellings.
“The impacts of safety and congestion are likely to be significant.”
But Cllr Michael Ramage, Independent member for Shildon and Dene Valley, supported the scheme. He said: “The development will be for the greater good and of benefit to a significant number of constituents, who have not voiced objections, and in my view, would be for the economic good of the area.”
Gleeson Homes pledged to invest up to £600,000 into local services and the community.
Jack Osgerby, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: “The applicant has worked closely with officers since the development was previously reported to this committee, addressing concerns raised about the site’s access and sustainable modes of transport.
“The applicant has reassessed transport links and it is now recognised that there are suitable walking and cycle routes surrounding the site.”
Moving approval of the scheme, Reform Councillor Jill Campbell said the county’s current housing shortfall should be considered. “To me, the benefits outweigh any issues,” she said.
Cllr Michal Stead, Liberal Democrat for Aycliffe North and Middridge, added: “£600,000 for 70 houses is an exceptional amount. It looks like the applicant is giving as much as they can to give back to the community.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
Incorrect photo
As I said before money talks,and nearly always wins the day.