Yarm councillor 'ready to fight' developer's homes appeal

Taylor Wimpey last week confirmed it would formally appeal Stockton Borough Council’s refusal of its plans for a new estate on the fields south of Green Lane. 

The developer said it was "disappointed" that the bid - which was met by resident uproar and even sparked a ‘Save Yarm’ petition - was thrown out, and reportedly wants a public inquiry.

Now, Yarm councillor Andrew Sherris said this development “is a winner only for the landowner, developer, and the council coffers”. 

He argued that the homes would leave the community with “year upon year of upheaval, disturbance and further traffic chaos”. 

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: “We were disappointed that our proposals for a new community/development at Green Lane, Yarm were refused.

"We will continue to work closely with Stockton Council and local stakeholders as part of the planning appeal process.”

(Image: P+HS ARCHITECTS / TAYLOR WIMPEY)

Last month, before voting 13-1, councillors criticised 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. 

Other concerns included the impact on Northern Powergrid’s electricity network, which has “limited capacity to support additional homes without upgrades”, the need to upgrade the Crathorne Interchange on the A19 and the potential loss of Yarm Driving Range. 

Mr Sherris said: “The planning system is deeply flawed where a developer with deep pockets can bring in high flying barristers to defend their position. 

“Against this, local councillors are called on to uphold the council`s decision. 

“The developer in their call for a public inquiry says they want to ‘cross examine the council witnesses’ in effect throwing their weight around to get a decision in their favour.

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“As locals on the ground here every day, we know the issues that have been well documented. 

“This development, unlike previous ones that have at least made some contribution to the community, are a winner only for the landowner, developer and the council coffers. 

"Meanwhile the community will endure year upon year of upheaval, disturbance and further traffic chaos. Taylor Wimpey knows that they won't have adequate electricity supply for three years, so saying that the first occupancy would be within 24 months is pure fantasy!

“We don’t have a date as yet but nevertheless we are ready for the fight!”