Homes refusal confirmed by planning chief

The proposal for Seaton attracted hundreds of letters of objection

Plans for 37 homes that residents warned would be "catastrophic" for a community have been dismissed by a planning inspector.

Believe Housing submitted a proposal to build the properties at Seaton, near Seaham in County Durham, arguing they would support the sustainability of local services, including the village's two pubs, community centre and bus service.

However, the planning inspector said people would be "highly disadvantaged" if they did not have a vehicle due to limited public transport.

More than 360 objection letters and a petition with 283 signatures were submitted to Durham County Council against the plans.

Alyson Slater, chairman at Seaton with Slingley Parish Council, warned the scheme would "have a great impact on the village".

"It will be seen from every direction. The impact will be catastrophic.

"We have a terrific community spirit. I am frightened something that we treasure is going to be lost."

No late bus

A planning inspector, tasked with reviewing a county council planning committee's decision to refuse the proposal in July last year, ruled it would not be a suitable location, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In a statement, the inspector concluded: "The vast majority of trips made by future residents would be to destinations beyond the village.

"There are limitations with the ability to access suitable facilities on foot, particularly due to their distance."

Bus services serving Seaton finish at 18:30 and do not operate on Sundays, causing residents to warn they are isolated if they do not have access to a car.

The inspector added: "Any residents without such vehicle access would also therefore be highly disadvantaged by the appeal site's location."

On the effect the proposal would have on the character and appearance of the area, the inspector said the development provided an "appropriate design response" but would also "adversely affect the character and appearance of the area and cause moderate harm".