RELIEVED residents of a Teesdale village are thankful plans to build eight new homes in their picturesque village were rejected.

The applicant wanted to build eight three-bedroom detached houses on land to the west of Marwood Terrace, in Cotherstone.

More than a dozen villagers came to the meeting of Durham County Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, September 18.

They raised concerns around flooding and said the proposals would be over development in the village.

Councillor Richard Hunter, chairman of Cotherstone Parish Council, objected to the plans.

“The proposals encroach into the village conservation area and will have a negative impact on the village. It’s creating a mini estate,” he said.

“There are currently 14 new houses being built and with this additional eight that equates to an additional ten per cent which we see as a complete over development.”

Councillor John Clare said residents were taking a big gamble rejecting the plans, as future proposals may not be of the same standard.

He said: “You are taking a big gamble, but having said that, the site is within a conservation area, what’s the point in having that if we say yes get on with it?

“It clearly conflicts with the Teesdale plan in my opinion, and that is why I’m going to go against it.”

Councillors voted to reject the application 8-4.