COUNCILLORS are due to decide on a planning application for a major housing development this week.

Cheviot Holdings is hoping to get the go ahead to build 73 homes on land near Fulforth Way, in Sacriston.

The proposal will go before members of the Durham County Council’s north area planning committee meeting at County Hall in Durham on Thursday.

Durham Constabulary’s Police Architectural Liaison Officer has said the main concerns for police are anti-social behaviour and thefts from garden sheds and unattended motor vehicles.

Planning case officer Nick Graham said: “The layout of the site is considered acceptable aside from the triangle of land to the west of the site adjoining Acorn Close, which has the potential for young people to congregate, resulting in potential nuisance behaviour.

“This could be mitigated against though a planting scheme and including footpaths within the adoptable street plan ensuring they are lit to an appropriate standard.”

The council has received seventeen letters of objection from residents who are concerned the development will cause traffic and parking problems due to an increase in cars in the area.

People also fear it could cause flooding, have an adverse impact on wildlife in the area and create problems with schools places for children in the village.

The applicant has agreed to make a contribution of £28,830 towards the improvement of the Front Street and Lingey Close junction, including a protected right hand turn leading onto Lingey Close.

In supporting application statement, developers Cheviot Holdings said: “The development aims to bring an uplift to the area, providing links to ancient woodland and bridleways whilst providing quality housing for all.

“All houses will have spacious gardens, pleasant outlooks and great levels of natural daylight within the properties.

“We believe that the application has progressed to ensure that we have designed the best possible proposal for this site.”

Mr Graham has written a report for councillors advising them to back the scheme.

He said: “The development would provide public benefits, including the provision of improved public open space, and play space, the enhanced landscape setting, improved highway safety within the vicinity of the site, and the most significant of which being the boost that the proposal would provide to housing supply and increasing the residential opportunities within Sacriston.”