CONCERNS have been raised as to potential over-development if new houses are allowed to be built on an edge of village site.

Residents in East Rainton have expressed misgivings over the proposed 33-home scheme off Quarry House Lane and Hazard Lane.

If given the go-ahead it would extend the village on a greenfield site, partly arable land, near the Durham/Sunderland county boundary.

Seneca Homes has submitted the plan for a development comprised entirely of detached homes, with associated access off Quarry House Lane, plus the addition of a connecting pathway to the centre of the village.

Although no statutory body has objected, development would be subject to flood risk assessment, while the Coal Authority pointed out that the site lies over the former Hazard Colliery mine shaft.

Probe drilling has since located the 2.5m diameter shaft and a report advises it should be grout-filled, with no homes built on a small surrounding “exclusion zone” above.

But neighbours have submitted letters of representation raising concerns that the village is at risk of becoming over-crowded, given the addition of a 100-home development, near East Rainton cricket ground, off Durham Road, in recent years.

Residents also cite loss of green open fields, increase in traffic, particularly on Quarry House Lane, posing potential dangers to children crossing, as well as added pressure being placed on local amenities and services, including school places.

Similar objections have been raised in nearby West Rainton, on the Durham side of the boundary, where developers plan a 70-home scheme off Benridge Bank.

While there is no reported conflict with local planning policies, in the light of villagers’ representations, Sunderland City Council sought a £128,280 contribution, which the developer has agreed to meet, to support enhanced primary school provision, plus £23,133 for new play facilities and £26,400 for ecological protection.

Seneca would also be expected to offset £181,802 for affordable housing.

Providing conditions are met, the council’s Hetton, Houghton and Washington Development Sub-Committee is recommended to approve the application, at its meeting on Tuesday.