A DEVELOPER has submitted plans to build up to 220 homes on two sites in the Willington area, prompting concerns about traffic congestion, increased flood risk and lack of amenities.

Avant Homes is seeking outline permission for up to 70 homes on a field opposite West Road in Willington.

It is has also put forward plans for up to 150 homes on a green field site close to Hunwick Lane in the nearby village of Sunnybrow.

The developments will comprise a mixture of house types and styles in a landscaped setting, with access to the Willington site gained from West Road and access to the Sunnybrow site from Hunwick Lane.

The County Durham Plan highlights the need for 290 new homes in the Willington area.

Avant Homes believes the proposals will fulfil this requirement by providing high quality, low density homes, which will also boost the local economy and promote job creation.

However, both schemes have attracted opposition from within the community.

In a letter objecting to the Sunnybrow scheme, nearby residents Trevor and Jan Hewitt raise concerns about existing flooding on Hunwick Lane, stating: “To replace a large area of meadow, which must currently act as a soak away for the surface water with hard landscape such as buildings and roads is surely likely to make a bad situation worse.”

In a letter objecting to the Willington scheme, meanwhile, resident Tony Longhorn said he was worried about the impact on schools, doctors surgeries and the emergency services.

He wrote: “It’s hard enough for residents in Willington to get a doctor’s appointment now or get a police officer to your home when you need one.”

Prior to submitting the applications, Avant Homes sent a leaflet to 600 households seeking views on the both schemes.

Feedback also revealed concerns about the impact on property prices, loss of wildlife and green spaces, noise and dust.

In response, Avant Homes has highlighted an ecology report that indicated there would be no detrimental impact on the l environment; traffic assessments that state the developments would not have impact significantly on surrounding roads; and a flooding assessment that confirms the Sunnybrow site is suitable providing certain measures are in place.

Residents have until Monday, September 29, to comment on the Willington application and until Wednesday, October 1, to comment on the Sunnybrow application at durham.gov.uk