COUNCILLORS have approved plans to build a detached house in a field, despite opposition from villagers.

Planning permission for a new home in Shadforth, near Durham, was granted at a meeting at County Hall in Durham this week.

Committee members were told Durham County Council received 23 letters of objection and that Shadforth Parish Council is also opposed to the scheme.

The parish council argues the application would result in the ‘sterilisation of the existing field access’ leaving only an unauthorised access to the south of Rectory View to service the remaining agricultural field.

It said granting permission would set an unwelcome precedent, given the recent refusal of an application for ten dwellings to the south of Rectory View.

Chris Turner, of Shadforth Residents’ Association, said: “We are passionate about the village and for keeping the conservation area.

“It is a development which is outside the settlement boundary, on the edge of a field, which is itself in the conservation area.

“The reason we see it as important is to protect that green boundary.”

The plan is for a four-bedroomed house with a double garage on land north of properties at Rectory View, in field accessed from Crime Rigg Bank.

In a supporting statement applicant Catherine Dean said: “I am surprised at the concerted opposition and, indeed, acrimony and hostility to this proposal.

“All that is being requested is a single dwelling to which I am advised there are no significant planning objections such as to warrant refusal.

“What is fundamental is that not one of the objectors will be adversely impacted by the proposal, and there will be no effect on the village, the church or any other environmental considerations.”

Planning officer Paul Hopper advised councillors to support the development.

He said: “The proposal would, by virtue of its siting, scale, layout and design, have no adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the surrounding area, residential amenity or highway safety.”

Members agreed with the recommendation and gave it unanimous backing.

Councillor John Lethbridge said: “I would like to be expressing some sympathy with the objections because people in such a beautiful village want to maintain that village as it is.

“I cannot help but feel we do not have enough to say ‘no’ to this.”