Homes plan would 'change village's character'

One councillor said losing agricultural land to housing left "a sour taste"

Councillors refused plans for new homes in a village over concerns about their impact on the countryside.

Pamur Co Ltd wanted to construct seven self-build plots and demolish a bungalow in Tudhoe, near Spennymoor, County Durham, to provide access to the homes.

But a planning meeting was told the scheme would "change the character of the village" and expand its boundary towards Tudhoe Colliery.

Lichfields planning director Alistair Willis said on behalf of the applicant there had been interest in the plots and there was "a clear need for the development".

A self-build plot is when owners directly organise the design and construction of their home. Community-led projects and groups can also work together on such schemes.

Initial plans had proposed nine homes, which was later reduced to seven.

The proposals received backlash, with more than 40 objections and a petition signed by 30 people.

There were just five letters of support, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Undisturbed land'

Mr Willis disputed Durham County Council's recommendation to refuse the proposal, saying the judgement was "clearly not safe".

"My client has received many expressions of interest for all plots and there is a clear need for this kind of development," he said.

Local councillor Billy McAloon, Independent, said the finished designs could end up being "a lot more modern and not in keeping with the village’s rural look".

"I object to the loss of the countryside, the land has been left undisturbed for ages and there's lots of wildlife living there," he added.

Labour's Shirley Quinn warned of the impact the development would have on the surrounding area if approved.

"Looking at the site, we should be steering away from giving agricultural land away for building. It leaves a sour taste," she said.

The application was refused by eight votes to two.