CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 63 homes on open space at the edge of a large housing estate have been rejected.

Durham County councillors went against the recommendation of their planning officers and refused permission for the development at Urpeth Grange, near, Ouston, Chester-le-Street.

Residents applauded and thanked the northern area planning committee after members unanimously voted down the proposal by Persimmon Homes today (Thursday, March 26).

The company was proposing an investment of almost £18m that would see 63 houses built on scrubland and grass near Bradley Close.

It had previously proposed 79 homes, but the Chester-le-Street Local Plan of 2003 suggested the site should have about 40.

The development attracted no objections from statutory bodies, but 72 letters opposing the development were sent to the council from people in the area.

Urpeth Parish Council, Urpeth Residents Association and local councillors Colin Carr and Alison Batey were among the scheme’s opponents.

The committee also heard that North Durham Labour MP, Kevan Jones, had written to the council expressing his concern at what he saw as the company’s “lack of engagement” with residents over its plans.

Persimmon proposed building two, three and four-bedroomed homes, detached, and mid-link units.

Some would be 2.5 storey homes, slightly taller than two storeys and with a dormer window, which some objectors said would overlook existing properties, invading the occupants’ privacy.

Around nine units would be affordable homes, but no senior citizens' bungalows were planned.

Objectors were concerned about the size of the development while some wanted no development at all. They also opposed the density of the development and the loss of open space.

Councillors heard that there were 383 children already in the area and there was no equipped play area for them.

The development did not include a play area, but the company would be required to pay towards provision off-site, for a new classroom at a local primary school and or a buffer zone to protect wildlife sites.

Adam McVickers, for Persimmon, said it was a sustainable development that would increase housing choice in the area.

Committee members spoke against the scheme and Cllr Alan Shield proposed refusal, citing national and local policies on open space, health and well-being and recreation.

Cllr Barbara Armstrong said: “I do think it is dense. There are too many houses and I am concerned about the loss of open space.”