Plans withdrawn for County Durham estate where homes sell for £1m

Homes on The Pastures in Lanchester routinely sell for around £1m, with one currently up for grabs for £999,999.

Plans for a new five-bed detached self-build home were submitted last year and included an integrated garage, off-street parking and a first-floor balcony leading from the main bedroom.

But several neighbours objected during the consultation, with the proposed balcony drawing most criticism.

One said the balcony could cause "a significant noise disturbance impacting our peace and quiet in our main bedroom".

The neighbour said the balcony’s elevated position would give "a direct view into our living area" and overlook nearby gardens, costing them their privacy.

Another neighbour said the terrace could become "a source of intrusive noise".

"Even if the current owners/applicants have no intentions to intrude into the privacy and quiet enjoyment of their neighbours' gardens, approving this terrace will leave future owners free to intrude in this way," an objector said.

Another resident of The Paddock later objected to the revised plans, saying: "I object very strongly to the balcony area as it would be overlooking us."

The plans were withdrawn on September 1, according to Durham County Council’s planning portal.

The plot already had outline approval for housing.