Plans for 350 homes in Tudhoe recommended for approval

The application by housing developer Banks is due to be considered by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Tuesday (June 2). 

Located on land to the north of York Hill Road in Tudhoe, it is not allocated for development in the County Durham Plan and is currently in agricultural use. 

How the new development could look. (Image: BANKS)

The proposal is a hybrid application seeking planning permission for two phases - 45 homes in the first phase and a potential further 305 homes. 

A planning statement read: “Banks Property has undertaken engagement with the local community and stakeholders during the preparation of and throughout every stage of the proposals. The views of local people have been taken into consideration and engagement will continue as the scheme progresses. 

“The York Hill Road proposals represent a high-quality, sustainable development that complies with local and national policy and will assist Durham County Council’s housing land supply position, with the delivery of market and affordable housing in the short term. 

A total of 25 objections have been received in opposition to the scheme. Concerns from residents include the increase in traffic, impact on GP and school capacity, and the overdevelopment of the wider Spennymoor area. 

They also include opposition from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), which warned about the loss of agricultural land. 

But in recommending the plans for approval, planning officers said: “Given the county’s outstanding housing need, the proposal would deliver benefits which are to be afforded significant weight in favour of the proposal.

“The identified adverse impacts do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposed development.”