48 homes at Land North Of The Old Chapel Colliery Road, Bearpark

“Full planning permission is sought for the erection of 48 dwellings with associated works on a greenfield site to the north of Bearpark. The site is allocated for housing in the County Durham Plan (CDP). A total of 13 objections have been received, primarily raising concerns about the principle of development, highway safety, residential amenity, wildlife, land stability, design and infrastructure capacity.”

“The site measures 2.19ha and is located to the north of Bearpark and predominantly comprises vacant grassed land.”

“Colliery Road and Phase 1 of the development (Allocation H7) to the south • Plantation woodland to the north as part of the reclaimed Bearpark Colliery site. • Bearpark Cricket Ground to the west. • Allotment gardens to the east. The site is allocated for housing under Policy 4 of the CDP (Allocation H8). The Proposals…”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 48 dwellings and associated works. The Woodlands, an existing residential development that is being brought forward by the Applicant as Phase 1, sits to the south of the Site and is nearing completion. The proposed development would form Phase 2 of this development. The development proposes the following mix of dwellings: • 5 two-bedroom bungalows;”

“Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that planning applications be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The site is allocated within the CDP for housing. Taking into account the detailed design considerations it is considered that the principle of developing this site for housing is acceptable in accordance with Policy 4 of the County Durham Plan. 120.”

“It is noted that some distances to services and public transport represent less than ideal measures for a site that has not only been put forward for housing development but has been allocated for housing the CDP. These when assessed are considered to be limited in nature with respect to conflict with CDP Policy 21 and as a result the weight attributed to the policy conflict is reduced.”

“Design and Landscape Impacts • Aesthetics and quality of construction need to meet higher standards to maintain the character and appeal of the community. • The houses are soulless, with no character • Loss of green space in the area. • Loss of trees…”

“Wildlife • Loss of field used by local wildlife • Impact of light and noise pollution on local wildlife.”

“Councillor M Wilkes noted that it would be useful if leaflets or some form of communications to let local people know there would be properties coming and be available and seconded the motion for approval.”

“Moved by Councillor D Freeman and seconded by Councillor M Wilkes, upon a vote being taken it was:”

“That the application be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and s106 Legal Agreement as set out within the report and amendment to Condition 2 to reflect updated drawing Revision C, relating to EV charging.”