Homes plan set for approval despite objections

There have been 55 objections to the expansion of Whitworth Park estate in Spennymoor

The expansion of a housing estate is set to be approved by councillors despite dozens of objections.

Barratt Homes wants to build a further 299 homes at its Whitworth Park estate in Spennymoor, County Durham.

The proposal has been recommended for approval ahead of a Durham County Council planning committee on Wednesday.

However, there have been 55 objections to the plan, with Spennymoor Town Council among the opponents.

The proposal includes two-bedroom bungalows and two, three and four-bedroom houses.

According to the applicant, up to 155 of the homes would be occupied on an affordable basis and managed by Livin Homes.

Applicant Barratt Homes said the development would address high demand for housing in the area

It is located directly to the north of the recently constructed housing development, known as Burton Woods, at the north-western edge of the town.

Barratt Homes said: "One of the key benefits of the site is the sustainability of its location and its connectivity to Spennymoor.

"This will have tangible economic benefits as well as providing extensive open space, play areas and fitness opportunities for the community."

However, objectors have raised concerns over the capacity of schools, GP surgeries, dentists, leisure facilities, the fire service and the police.

They also said the distances some residents would need to drag their bins to the nearest adopted highway for collection would be too great.

Spennymoor Town Council said there was not enough infrastructure in the town to cope with the development.

It added that, if approved, the plans would have a serious detrimental impact on surrounding green spaces and cause an increase in traffic.