A SLIP of the tongue at a controversial planning hearing brought light relief to residents packed into Lanchester Community Centre on Friday morning. (April 15)

Senior planning inspector Kay Sheffield, inviting the MP for North-West Durham to give evidence, introduced her as Pat Cash, instead of Pat Glass.

There was a ripple of amusement among the hundred or so residents packed into the centre for the public inquiry into Story Homes appeal after Durham County Council refused to back plans for its 149 house development on the edge of the village.

Mrs Glass, who lives in the village, smiled graciously and said ‘tennis is not my strong point’ as residents pointed out the error and Ms Sheffield apologised for the muddle.

Referring to the proposed development, she said: “It will destroy the very fabric of the village and take away what makes it pleasant to live here.

“There are plenty of places in County Durham where we would welcome housing. There is no lack of capacity or land in this county, but everyone seems to want to build in Durham City or in Lanchester. This village is under siege.”

The MP was the first of several residents to speak in support of the council’s stance, arguing the popular village was unable to cope with even more residents due to the risk of flooding, existing traffic problems and the strain it would put on resources such as school places.

Retired planning officer and inspector Brian Masterman, who is part of The Lanchester Partnership, said: “This development would be seriously detrimental to the setting and appearance of Lanchester. No justification has been given of a need for the provision of a housing development in Lanchester.

“Additional housing development on this site would only damage the settlement.”

Story Homes wants to build 149 two to five bedroom homes on the land north of Newbiggin Lane and west of Mount Park Drive.

Eric Hepplewhite, chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural Lanchester, said: “Lanchester is small and rural in character. It is a one off, being described by a Durham county councillor as a jewel in the county of Durham.

“Let us keep it that way and not overwhelm it with a development of this scale, extending into our rural setting.”

The inquiry is expected to continue into the middle of next week.