RESIDENTS fear the character of their town would be destroyed if another proposed new housing development is given the green light.

Taylor Wimpey has applied to Durham County Council for planning permission to build 60 houses on a field on the southern edge of Sedgefield.

It wants permission to build on the 2.7 hectare site, which is currently rough grazing pasture and features stables which would be pulled down, off Stockton Road.

The proposed site sits between two future housing developments- with land to west currently being developed by Story Homes for 80 houses and Taylor Wimpey having secured permission for 197 houses to north-west.

The housebuilder proposes a mix of traditional family house types with two to five bedrooms, all but five of them two-storey, constructed of brick and tiled roofs. It has proposed including 10 per cent affordable properties.

The estate would be accessed by vehicles off Stockton Road, include new pedestrian routes and feature a landscaped area of public space, along with contributions for off-site leisure and new speed limit signage to improve road safety at the junction.

But a number of residents have objected.

Alan Patterson, of Kerr Crescent, said on top of existing and proposed residential schemes including nearby Eden Drive and the old hospital and Turner’s garage sites the town’s population could increase by 40 per cent.

He said it could end up ‘destroying the character of the town, which is the very thing developers want to sell’.

Mike Roberts, of Lile Gardens, said when housing was approved at Eden Drive after a public inquiry in 2016 the inspector said Stable Field provided a green buffer.

And Nevin Jackson, of Thurlow Road, called for fields to be protected as wildlife habitat and for people’s health and wellbeing.

They all raised concerns about the pressure extra houses would put on local services including schools, health services and car parking in the town centre.

Mr Patterson wrote: “This all proves yet more housing developments is not wanted or required.

"Even if there were plans to build numerous bungalows and affordable houses, which are required, I must still register my strongest objection.”

The company believes the development would be high quality, in a sustainable location, contribute to housing need and retain and enhance the green approach into Sedgefield.

Consultation on the proposal runs until March 15 and a decision is expected by May 17.