Unanimous backing for 97 new homes plan
GooglePlans for 97 new homes on an area of grassland in a village have been unanimously approved.
Gleeson Homes' proposal for a mix of four, three and two-bedroomed properties in Leadgate, near Consett, was backed by Durham County Council's planning committee on Wednesday.
The proposal received 61 objections from nearby residents and the Leadgate and District Historical Society, who warned it would lead to a loss of countryside and impact upon the area's character.
The developer said the scheme would provide "much-needed" housing for local people.
Residents questioned whether people already living in the area would benefit from the proposed homes and argued nearby empty properties should be renovated and brought back into use first.
They also questioned the effect the new builds might have on the capacity of nearby schools, dentists and GP surgeries.
However, an assessment by the council's planning officers found there would be sufficient space at primary schools within two miles to accommodate potential extra pupils, but not at Consett Academy, the nearest secondary school.
Gleeson Homes is expected to pay £316,056 to mitigate the impacts of the new estate, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
A spokesperson for the firm said: "The site (on land west of Pont Road) lies on the edge of a residential area in close proximity to services and facilities, including access to sustainable travel options such as bus services and footpath links.
"There is ready access to local amenities, schools and employment sites, making the development socially sustainable."