Taylor Wimpey 'to request public inquiry' over Yarm homes refusal

The developer said it was “disappointed” earlier this month after its proposal for the new estate on the fields south of Green Lane was thrown out by Stockton Borough Council.

The decision came after furious residents raised concerns over the new homes sparking “chaos” on nearby roads and hitting already strained facilities and infrastructure. 

Councillors, who voted 13-1, refused the bid, criticising the suggestion that the development would add just one minute 27 seconds of time to a six minute 23 seconds journey in the mornings - and no increases in excess of a minute in the evenings. 

But now, The Northern Echo understands that Taylor Wimpey is preparing to appeal the refusal of the estate next week and intends to request a public inquiry. 

Plans for the estate (Image: P+HS ARCHITECTS / TAYLOR WIMPEY)

The Echo understands that members of the council planning committee have been informed this morning that an appeal will be submitted next week.

A spokesperson for the developer previously said: “We are disappointed that our proposals for a new community/development at Green Lane, Yarm have been refused. 

“We are currently reviewing the decision and considering our next steps.”

The Yarm homes drama first started early last year when Taylor Wimpey lodged plans for the estate, which would have seen two new junctions added to Green Lane if approved.

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But the impact on traffic became a major talking point both at the meeting and amongst residents, especially with plans in place for other estates in the area. 

The impact on Northern Powergrid’s electricity network, which has “limited capacity to support additional homes without upgrades”, was also mentioned at the meeting alongside the need to upgrade the Crathorne Interchange on the A19 and the potential loss of Yarm Driving Range. 

Steven Longstaff, director of ELG Planning, noted a housing crisis and said there were no objections from Northern Powergrid regarding concerns over the electricity supply as well as no highways or environment-related objections. 

He called the land off Green Lane a “sustainable location”.

Following the refusal, town councillor Yvonne Wallace, whose ‘Save Yarm’ campaign drew more than 3,00 signatures, said she was “absolutely delighted”. 

She said:  “I was so pleased with everybody who attended and everything that was said. 

“I was also delighted with the planning and committee councillors, they brought up some fantastic points and they were very thorough.”

No official appeal against the decision had been submitted at the time of publication.

Taylor Wimpey has been contacted for comment.