A PROPOSAL to build new bungalows near pigeon lofts have been dashed. 

Developer Blu Sky Homes had applied for permission to build ten new detached homes off Cotswold Crescent, in Billingham.

But the bid for the two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows was refused by Stockton Council planning committee last week.

Fears it would be an over-development of land saw the proposals near the railway line turned down by councillors.

The stretch off the cul-de-sac, and near allotments used by the Billingham Homing Society, was bought in 2019 before its clearance. 

Documents from developers showed aims to provide housing for the elderly and people in need of home care.

A planning statement added: “The proposed development would not impede the local highway network and provide an improvement to the area by providing off street car parking and improved access arrangements.

“The proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the area in general.”

Widening the access road off Cotswold Crescent was also part of the plan for access – with 19 parking spaces lined up. 

However, last Wednesday’s committee had doubts about the bid. 

No fewer than 20 objections were lodged ahead of the meeting – with worries over a lack of parking spaces, the size of the development, and access. 

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham wrote to air his own concerns.

He added: “Development on the scale proposed would have a major impact on local people and amenities with very limited access to the adjacent allotments for gardeners and pigeon fanciers alike who have been there for generations.”

Planning officials also recommended refusal ahead of last Wednesday’s meeting.

Despite the concerns, there were 20 letters of support for the proposals.

Some residents backed the development of the derelict land with the hope the homes would stop dumping while providing much needed housing for older folk. 

Cllr Barry Woodhouse, member for Billingham Central, had doubts about the “very narrow” road off Cotswold Crescent.

He was pleased with the committee’s decision. 

After the meeting, Cllr Woodhouse said: “For the pigeon fanciers and allotment holders, I’m over the moon as the ramifications for them would have been horrendous. 

“In my view, it’s set back in a loop in what is virtually a very narrow single carriageway.

“It would have meant if the houses went ahead, the residents would have been inconvenienced by the wagons coming in.”

The developers will have 12 weeks to appeal the refusal if they wish to do so.