PLANS to build new homes in a picturesque village have been thrown out after a councillor admitted he had only learned of the community’s existence hours before.

Charlie Kay, who represents Coundon on Durham County Council, apologised to residents of Shadforth, near Durham City, for not having heard of their village until the morning of yesterday’s (Tuesday, July 22) meeting of the council’s central and east area planning committee.

He called for a decision on Haswell Development’s proposals to build ten homes on farming land between Church Villas and Rectory View to be deferred to allow for further clarification.

However, local councillor Stephen Guy urged the committee to press ahead, saying other members were well informed.

His fellow councillors agreed and refused planning permission by eight votes to nil, with Cllr Kay abstaining, something he said he had never done in 25 years of serving on planning committees.

Earlier, residents and local councillors had spoken out against the scheme, saying it would be out of character for Shadforth and the homes were not needed.

Robin Newlove, for Haswell – which was seeking outline planning permission, said the development would improve the character of the area and residents who claimed they were not against new housing would not be living in the village if permission had not been granted for their houses to be built.

Cllr Patrick Conway said planning committees sometimes needed the wisdom of Solomon to reach decisions and this was such a case.

However, he said consent should be refused, as there was insufficient detail on the plans.