COUNCIL chiefs narrowly approved revised plans for the renovation of a former chapel.

Proposals for the previous site of Ebchester Methodist Church, in St Ebba’s Way, Ebchester, which is currently being converted to a four-bedroom home, sought consent to extend the property’s driveway and move the garage, among other changes to the original plans.

Durham County Councillor for Leadgate and Medomsley, Alan Shield, led opposition at a planning committee meeting last Tuesday.

He claimed it did not ‘reflect the character’ of the area, and raised concerns about planning enforcement issues on the site and road safety.

“[National guidelines] require safe access for all road users,” said Coun Shield.

“Listen to the residents who have written a number of passionate letters [to Durham County Council] asking for this application to be refused.

“We’ve had four years of issues with the applicant.” 

Cllr Shield was speaking at the first planning committee meeting to be held in more than two months due to the impact of Covid19.

But his criticisms, which included the number of ‘large vehicles’ he predicted applicant Paul Edward Garvey would park on the site, was not shared by most members of the panel.

Cllr Craig Martin said: “I’m hearing a lot of what ifs and not a material planning reason [to refuse the application].

“We need to hear about what’s before us, not what’s gone before or what could happen.

“I’m not minded to support refusal, I don’t want to cost my community for having to deal with the appeal on this.”

Cllr Shield’s proposal to reject the revised application was defeated by the casting vote of committee chairman Ivan Jewell, following a split vote. A second move to approve the plans, but with conditions added to regulate when work can be carried out, was proposed by Cllr David Boyes and carried by the panel.

The committee also gave the green light to plans for an extension to a home in Brackenbeds Close, Pelton, and for a new bungalow in Blind Lane, Chester-le-Street.