A developer’s bid to build new homes in Coundon has been refused for the second time, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar, after residents warned it would cause “major harm” to the local landscape.
Residents are celebrating after Partner Construction’s proposal for the new housing estate on land near Westerton Road was voted down by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (March 4).
Hundreds of people objected to the developer’s plan for 156 homes, including a mix of apartments, bungalows and multi-bedroom houses.
Councillor Kate Rowland, Reform member for Shildon and Dene Valley, reiterated a previous warning that the development would cause “major landscape harm” and argued the proposal did not include any key changes.
“Put simply, it is the wrong place for development,” she told the committee.
Campaigners noted the nearby Township Field site’s historical importance, said to have been in use agriculturally since the 1100s, which may have links to Roman times.
Nicola Brown, speaking on behalf of residents and the hundreds of objectors, echoed the concerns. She added: “This proposal offers no new material information from the previously refused application, conflicts with multiple local and national policies, and would result in severe adverse harm to the landscape.”
But Alistair Willis, speaking on behalf of the developer, disputed the objectors’ claims and said there were “significant and material changes” to the proposal. Of the 156 homes, 24 would be marketed as affordable.
He told the committee: “Delivery of this scheme will see the creation of significant areas of public open space, which are currently not accessible.
“Imagine the locally important Township Field becoming a genuinely accessible community asset, where local people can play and walk.
“This application presents a unique opportunity to approve a great development with a wide range of benefits for the local community and boost the supply of housing, including affordable.”
Around £990,000 was outlined to invest in community services and local facilities.
Cllr Michael Ramage, former Reform and now Independent member for Shildon and Dene Valley, also backed the scheme, despite the objections of hundreds of local residents.
He said: “I am supporting the application because I take an optimistic view about the village. The village needs new houses, and if you look at Bishop Auckland, Durham County Council is investing millions of pounds in creating project tourism.
“Jobs will be created in the area and people need places to live. This field is not special; there is no reason why it shouldn’t be developed.”
But Cllr James Stephenson, Reform committee member for Shildon and Dene Valley, questioned what had changed in the six months since the previous application was considered.
He added: “This juts out from Coundon; it’s not well-related to the settlement and doesn’t fit the character of the area. This hill does have significant heritage for the people of the village.”
Councillors unanimously refused the proposal due to its impact on the landscape.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
