299 homes with infrastructure at Whitworth Park Phase 6 Spennymoor

What was proposed

The application sought 299 homes, parking, roads, infrastructure, landscaping, sustainable drainage and two vehicle accesses from Allerton Way.

“FULL APPLICATION DESCRIPTION: Construction of 299 dwellings with access from Allerton Way and associated parking, roads, infrastructure, landscaping and SuDS.”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 299 dwellings, and associated landscaping and infrastructure. The development proposes the following mix of dwellings:”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site comprises two agricultural fields beside existing housing, with public paths, a bridleway, woodland and countryside around it.

“The application site comprises two agricultural fields measuring a total of 13.9 hectares (ha) in area. The site is located directly to the north of a recently constructed housing development known as Whitworth Park (also known as Burton Woods), located at the northwestern edge of Spennymoor.”

“There are no ecological designations within the site, with the nearest designated site being the Rosa Shafto Woodland, which covers a large sprawling area of woodland centred approximately 700 metres to the north of the site. The designation features two southern spurs; one of which lies to the immediate northeast of the site beyond the public bridleway, and the second spur is the tree belt which lies to the immediate west of the site beyond the public footpath.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval, saying housing, affordable homes, bungalows, biodiversity and financial contributions outweighed remaining sustainability and agricultural-land harm.

“Whilst recognising the harm as a result of the sustainability of the location of the development, and the harm as a result of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, it is considered that the benefits identified above would outweigh this harm.”

“15% of Affordable housing on-site comprising 31 Affordable Rent Units and 14 Discount Market Value / Affordable Home Ownership units; • £371,217 contribution toward increasing Nursery/Early Years capacity at schools across the County; • £251,100 contribution toward increasing capacity at SEND schools across the County; • £144,417 contribution toward increasing NHS GP surgery capacity; • £178,200 contribution toward improving off-site allotments in the Electoral Division; •…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Town Council and 112 objectors raised concerns about traffic, facilities, sustainability, landscape, farming, flooding, ecology and infrastructure, while key consultees raised no objection subject to measures.

“Spennymoor Town Council – Have objected to the application. They are mindful of the previous application at this site and are of the opinion that there are no material differences that would change the original position in opposing this development.”

“DCC Active Travel – Whilst the proposal is considered an unsustainable location due to the distances to the nearest facilities and amenities, they make no objection subject to a package of off-site measures to be met by a financial contribution, to be secured through a legal agreement. The package of measures would enable improved bus connections to the site, and improved pedestrian and cycling routes into the town centre.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Town Council, two local members and the applicant’s representative addressed the committee, presenting objections and support for the scheme.

The committee’s vote

The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to the reported conditions and Section 106 agreement.

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions outlined in the report, and completion of an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1991 (as amended) to secure the following:”

Minutes