MP objects to Banks plans for 77 High Shincliffe homes

The application by developer Banks Homes faces opposition from Shincliffe Parish Council following a public meeting attended by residents and political representatives. 

Residents challenged the developer’s argument that the site, on land near Whitwell Acres, should be classified as “grey belt” land rather than protected Green Belt.

Mary Kelly Foy, MP for City of Durham, said that while there is a need for more housing in County Durham, it “shouldn’t be taken as a free-for-all for developers”.

She added: “This application proposes a site already identified as unsuitable, threatens our regional rail ambitions, and ignores clear environmental risks and Green Belt harm.”

But Banks Homes has previously argued the development would help meet housing demand in County Durham. 

Comments from a planning consultant, commissioned by the parish council, state that the scheme would amount to “a substantial expansion beyond the established edge of the village” and warned it would alter the relationship between the settlement and the surrounding countryside.

The report added: “The proposed development would introduce a more suburban form of development at the rural edge of the settlement.”

The parish council said its objections centred on concerns about the impact on the openness and purpose of the Green Belt, as well as the effect on the character and setting of High Shincliffe.

Dozens of objections have also been submitted by residents. 

Other concerns raised included the sustainability of the location, with councillors arguing the development would lead to heavy reliance on private car use, alongside unresolved issues relating to highway safety, flooding and the natural environment.

Councillor Chris Tunstall, chairman of the parish council’s planning committee, said the proposed development was “totally inappropriate”.

He said: “The site would alter the character of the village and has been considered on a number of occasions previously, both by the planning authority and the Planning Inspectorate. It was always refused.

“A re-designation of this particular site could lead to other sites adjacent to the village also being reconsidered as grey belt, which could potentially add a further 300 homes.

“Shincliffe Parish Council is calling on residents to respond to the application with their concerns.”

But Banks says the land at High Shincliffe is suitable for residential development and “capable of delivering a high-quality housing scheme.” 

A planning statement added: “The proposals have been carefully evolved to respond positively to the Site’s edge-of-settlement location, respect local landscape character, integrate with existing development and deliver meaningful environmental enhancements, including biodiversity net gain.

“The application Site presents a well-contained and logical extension to the existing settlement of High Shincliffe, with the Leamside Line acting as a strong, defensible boundary for the settlement edge.”

The application will be considered by Durham County Council at a later date.