CHANGES to a controversial housing scheme have been approved, despite objections.

Durham County Council’s planning committee met yesterday (Tuesday, January 6) to discuss the 271-home housing development on land near Browney, west of Durham City.

Outline permission had already been granted but applicant Bett Homes returned to the council seeking permission for some reserved details of the scheme, including issues such as landscaping, layout and house design.

The development is a mix of 21 two-bedroom, 109 three-bedroom and 141 four-bedroom houses. Most will be two storeys high, but there will be a small number of two-and-a-half storeys and three storeys.

Fiona Burney, a resident who objected to the plans, said the houses were inappropriate for the area.

“The two-and-a-half storey houses are not in keeping with the character of the other homes in the village and will clash most,” she said.

The applicant said: “The appearance of the dwellings is considered to be of a generally high standard.

The scheme has been developed as a contemporary style development which would work well in this location.”

However, Councillor Paul Taylor, who voted against the application, added: “In my opinion these houses are totally inappropriate for their surroundings. They aren’t in keeping with the character of the village at all.”

Councillor John Turnbull also raised concerns about the lack of public transport for the potential new residents.

“Because there is no public transport for the development it will put more cars on the A690. These roads are not big enough for all of these houses.”

The planning statement added: “The alignment of the access road seeks to create a focal point for the proposed development, acting as a boulevard whilst also creating a visual connection to the rear of the site.”

Councillors at County Hall voted to pass the motion 11-1.