Housing estate approved over green space pleas

Some residents objected to the expansion of housing on to the village's green spaces

A housing estate of up to 73 homes has been given the go-ahead by planners despite a number of objections.

Developer Gleeson Homes will build on two plots of land in Wheatley Hill, near Peterlee in County Durham.

Objectors said the development was like colliery housing and they expressed concerns about the loss of green spaces in the village.

But John Tyers, who lives near the development site, said he was "strongly in favour" adding "it feels like this village has been left behind".

He added: "I understand the concern about losing the green space, my children make use of it most days.

"However the topic of the village being neglected comes up quite a lot and this investment should be seen as a positive."

"Huge benefits"

Durham County Council's planning committee approved the application for the homes on land including the site of the former Easington Maintenance Depot, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, there were nine objections to the development alongside the one letter of support. 

Objectors said the development was cramped and suffered a lack of privacy, with residents "barricaded" in.

Jake Miller, Labour councillor for Trimdon and Thornley, also warned the housing will lead to extra traffic.

But Conservative councillor Doug Oliver argued the new estate would bring "huge benefits".

"This is an area where we need high-quality housing," he said.

Gleeson Homes claimed the new estate will provide "quality new homes to local people".

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