Plans for seven new homes in Tudhoe have been dismissed by the Government, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
An application to build the estate was refused by Durham County Council in 2024 following a backlash from planning officials and residents.
A planning committee ruled that the new development would impact the nearby countryside and change the character of the village.
The decision was appealed by the applicant Pamur Co. Ltd, but was thrown out by the National Planning Inspectorate, after ruling the development would be inappropriate.
A proposal detailed plans to demolish a bungalow at 21 Tudhoe Lane to provide access to the homes, but the area’s county councillor, supported by dozens of residents, objected.
A petition, signed by 30 people, was submitted to the council alongside 40 objections. Just five letters of support were received.
The Planning Inspectorate ruled: “The proposed development would not be in an appropriate location, with particular regard to the effect of the proposed development upon the countryside and the character and appearance of the area.”
Plans for the new homes were centred around creating self-build plots – when homeowners design and construct their own home – but concerned residents feared they would look out of place.
Tudhoe county councillor Billy McAloon told a 2024 council meeting: “We have no idea what these proposed dwellings could end up looking like.
“It could be that the finished designs would be a lot more modern and not in keeping with the village’s rural look.”
The Planning Inspectorate added: “The development of the site is not appropriate in terms of its scale and location to the character, function, form and setting at this part of the settlement.”
An application from the developer for costs lost during the planning process was also refused, despite claims that planning committee members were given a “false and misguided representation” of the relationship of the site to Tudhoe.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
