A DEVELOPER looks set to be awarded planning permission for a new housing development on agricultural land.

Last year, an application for outline permission to build 44 houses on a field near Brackenhill Avenue in Shotton Colliery was refused by Durham County Council because of its potential impact on the landscape.

Developers appealed against the decision and an inspector said the proposals were acceptable, but dismissed the appeal on a technicality because the application did not include a Section 106 Agreement to provide community benefit and affordable housing.

Now a second application has been lodged for the 1.3-hectare site, which is identical to the original application but includes a commitment to provide a Section 106 Agreement.

Planning officials have now recommended the fresh application be approved, subject to conditions including that ten per cent of the properties on the site be available for affordable housing.

The developer is also being asked to contribute £22,000 to improve play facilities in the area and £11,000 for coastal management.

The council has received one letter of objection from a neighbouring resident concerned about traffic in and out of the site and development on the greenfield site.

Members of the council’s Area Planning Committee (Central and East) will decide on the application when they meet at County Hall in Durham on Tuesday.