A HOUSING estate has been granted planning permission despite fears over the strain new homes will put on village services.

Housebuilder Barratt David Wilson North East has been given the go-ahead for 155 homes on land next to Bogma Hall Farm, on the edge of Coxhoe, near Durham.

Opponents highlighted that planning permission has been granted for a total of 350 extra homes in the area in recent months and claimed that the growth in population was putting pressure on public services.

Developers have agreed to pay just under £270,000 to help increase the number of places at the village primary school, but planners heard that the local medical practice was “creaking at the seams”.

However, members of Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee today (Tuesday) voted 12-1 to approve the application.

The 5.6-hectare site, including a barn, is on the southern edge of the village, close to Coxhoe Primary School.

Developers want to build a mixture of two, three and four bed homes on the site, along with six bungalows, with access off the A177.

Opponents to the scheme included Coxhoe Parish Council, Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods and local councillor Maria Plews, along with the council’s own highways department.

Senior planning officer Henry Jones told the committee meeting at County Hall, Durham, that the issue was “finely balanced” but officers recommended the application be approved.

Objector Stuart Dunn, speaking on behalf of Coxhoe Parish Council, said: “This proposed development brings little benefit for existing residents.

“No provision is made in this application for the extension of Coxhoe medical practice, which is creaking at the seams now.”