Coundon bungalows plan rejected after 200 complaints

Mandale Homes had wanted to build 51 bungalows in Coundon

Plans for 51 new bungalows have been rejected after more than 200 objections were lodged.

Mandale Homes said the proposed development for a greenfield site Coundon would offer much-need housing.

But Durham County Councillors criticised the scheme proposed for Church Street, with local councillor Charlie Kay calling it "poorly thought out".

Objectors said the local infrastructure would be unable to cope.

Members of Durham County Council's planning committee said the scheme had a poor layout and lacked affordable housing, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Planning officers said the proposal's design and housing mix would adversely impact the surrounding area. 

But Mandale Homes refuted the claim that affordable housing was needed.

'No brainer'

Speaking on behalf of the objectors, Mr Kay said: "We have an abundance of open space around the area for the people of Coundon to enjoy.

"We do need housing, but this is a greenfield site and it would be a tremendous loss were it to go. 

"We don't want it to be concreted over by a poorly thought out and poorly executed application."

One objector told councillors: "Residents really do not want this site, they know the houses aren't needed, they know it's not sustainable, and it's most definitely in the wrong place."

In unanimously rejecting the proposal, planning committee members labelled the refusal a "no brainer". 

Bishop Auckland councillor Sam Zair said: "It's one of the easiest decisions I've ever had to make. It's a very, very poor application."

Joe Quinn, councillor for Ferryhill, said: "The local [councillors] don't want it, the public don't want it - it's as clear as it gets."