10 custom-build plots at Land West Of West Lea, Syke Road, Burnopfield

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for ten custom-build plots, with access decided now and appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved for later.

“Full Application Description: Outline application for 10no. custom build plots with all other matters (appearance, landscaping, layout, scale) reserved apart from access (amended proposal)”

“Outline permission is sought for 10no. custom-build plots with all other matters (appearance, landscaping, layout, scale) reserved apart from access. It is intended that the serviced plots will be sold to potential purchasers who will submit a design application for reserved matters and develop the plots on a self- build basis.”

Officer report

The site

The 0.85-hectare site lies beside Syke Road near Burnopfield, next to housing development, and has no landscape, ecological or heritage designations.

“The proposed development site is 0.85 hectares of land adjacent Syke Road near the entrance to Burnopfield at Lintz, approaching the village from the south and Pickering Nook. The settlement is described as a 'local service centre' in the County Durham Settlement Study, 2012. The nearest main towns are Consett, 4.7 miles to the south-west and Stanley 2.6 miles to the south east.”

“The site is located south of the south side of the village, separated by the extent housing development currently being developed by Robertson Homes development. The nearest housing areas are, with one small exception at the western part of the settlement boundary, local authority built. The exception is a small development of ten dwellings arranged in two terraces that has been erected by the applicant of the parallel proposal on a former pub site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval with a legal agreement for £166,075 towards affordable housing, education and open space, plus planning conditions.

“It is therefore considered on balance that whilst the scheme does not contribute the full contribution, given that the National Planning Policy Guidance and adopted Development Viability, Affordable Housing and Financial Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (2024) allow for a reduction in contributions where viability is proven to be an issue, along with addition housing supply (albeit a small number of dwellings) and the economic and environmental benefits of…”

“£98,297 for affordable housing, • £50,387 for Education purposes and • £17,391 towards open space…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local member and the applicant spoke in support, while raising village appearance, traffic, construction employment and the scheme’s previous permission.

What members debated

Members discussed the reduced affordable housing contribution, drainage safeguards, local apprenticeships and whether the proposal completed the existing housing development.

“Councillor A Bell noted that the affordable housing contribution was half of what was expected. The Principal Planning Officer clarified that the affordable housing was set at 10%. Councillor Bell added that the building of 10 further self-build homes would complete the existing housing development and moved the motion.”

“Councillor D Bellingham enquired as to the inclusion of any conditions that would require the employment of local apprentices on the development. It was highlighted that as plots would be developed by individual self-builders there were no conditions that cover the employment of local apprentices as there was potential that 10 separate contractors could be employed.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to the legal agreement securing financial contributions and the planning conditions being met.

“That the application be approved subject to the completion of a s106 legal agreement(s) to secure the agreed financial contributions, and subject to the conditions being met.”

Minutes