A developer’s bid to build 12 new ‘townhouses’ in Durham City has been refused after significant opposition from residents. 

Modo bloc had applied to build the new homes, in two separate blocks, on the site of a former petrol station in the Neville’s Cross area of the city. 

The site off St John’s Road has been vacant for around 15 years and was labelled an “eyesore” by nearby residents. The area is surrounded by similar properties but an overwhelming response to the application from locals at an early stage suggested disquiet. 

A total of 79 objections were submitted to Durham County Council, which argued that the proposal was the “wrong development in the wrong place”. 

The Northern Echo: How the proposed scheme could lookHow the proposed scheme could look (Image: MHW PR)

Among the objectors was the City of Durham Parish Council, which also warned about overdevelopment in the area, increased traffic and how the development would be “out of character” of the area. 

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, county councillor for the Neville’s Cross ward, said: “Whilst I support the principle of redeveloping this site, this proposal presents a harmful overdevelopment of the area.” 

A Durham County Council planning committee hearing on Tuesday also heard from Claire Green, a resident of St John’s Road, who warned about the future impact the housing development could have. “These planned houses will not make pleasant family homes. I fear the only market will be investors looking to create student housing.”

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The meeting heard how the developer said the proposal would be financially unviable if it was less than 12 units. The local authority received two letters of support for the proposal. 

A statement read on behalf of the applicant read: “It is considered that the proposal presents a real opportunity to deliver a high-quality scheme on this long vacant site in a sustainable location.” 

But members unanimously backed a local campaign against the proposal and refused the application.