COUNCILLORS have unanimously backed a controversial housing scheme despite concerns from residents.

Persimmon Homes changed its plans for the development and applied to create 47 houses instead of 63 at Urpeth Grange, near Ouston, Chester-le-Street.

Durham County Council received 228 letters with 313 signatures against the scheme with concerns raised about the loss of open space as well as increased traffic and risk of flooding.

But the council planning committee approved the scheme at a meeting at County Hall.

Councillor Alison Batey, who represents the area on the county council, Frank Wilkinson, of Ouston Residents Association and Ouston and Urpeth parish councils, as well as resident Peter Faichney spoke in opposition to the scheme.

Coun Batey said: “We still have concerns about the amount of works traffic that is going to be generated at the end of St Benet’s Way and congestion as well as parking around the school site.

“We have got also concerns about parking around Bradley Close from cars at the new development. This very clearly a walking route for school in the area and these footpaths are pivotal. It is going to be problematic during the build how we get children to the school safely.

“This development is not supported by the community.”

At the last hearing, in March 2015, councillors went against the recommendation of their planning officers to refuse permission for the development following the campaign by locals.

The Chester-le-Street Local Plan of 2003 suggested the site should have about 40 homes built on it.

As well as 47 houses the planning application includes proposals for the play areas and car parking for the new estate.

Adam McVickers spokes on behalf of Persimmon Homes in favour of the scheme.

He said: “The reasons for refusal centre on the non-provision of a kick about and formal play area on site and concerns about the relationship of the proposed development to the surrounding area with regards to its setting and density.

“We engaged proactively with the local planning department and local councillors and began to formulate a clear understanding of what changes were necessary to address both the refusal reasons and points of objection raised by local residents.”

Senior planning officer Steve France has written a report for councillors advising them to support the scheme.

He said: “Acknowledging that the proposed development site is currently used a valued open space by the existing community, it has nonetheless been historically identified as a housing site.

“The loss of the open area is balanced by the public open space and play provision proposed by the new development.”