A DECISION is due on proposals to build 70 homes of land on the edge of a village.

Bellways Homes has applied to build the development in Great Lumley, on land to the north east of Trent Crescent and east of Scorer’s Lane.

The land, currently a green field with public rights of way, is on northern edge of the village and just over half a kilometre from the centre.

The company say the scheme will provide an injection of £8.2m of private sector investment, create 30 jobs, will assist in the delivery of housing and will help grow the population to sustain the vitality of the village in the long-term.

However, 35 objections have been submitted by people living nearby, with concerns raised about drainage, the potential loss of wildlife and traffic safety on Scorer’s Lane, which they say is already a dangerous stretch of road.

Some residents are also worried that the development will put Great Lumley at danger of losing its village feel and the loss of a green field currently popular with walkers and people living nearby.

One letter of support was also sent by a neighbour.

The scheme will be made up of 70 dwellings, with 46 on the northern part of the sire and 24 in the southern part, the majority of which would be detached three and four bedroom homes with rear gardens and off-street parking.

There would be a further six two-bedroom properties, which would be available for affordable rent.

The council’s school admissions team has said there are not enough places at secondary schools in the area to cope with the development and has asked for a contribution of £147,096 to provide extra teaching accommodation in the Chester-le-Street area.

Ecology officers had also raised concerns about the loss of bio-diversity on the site, which is used for agriculture, resulting in the developers offering to pay £24,235.54 to create two hectares of rich grassland.

It has also been suggested that the developers should pay £50,000 towards improving Great Lumley Community Centre.

Durham County Council planners have recommended that the proposal is approved, saying that though the development will cause some harm because of building on a green field site, it will have be of economic and social benefit to the area.

A decision will be made by members of the county’s planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday, November 7.