Wallnook Development – UPDATE

The decision was posted to the planning portal 20/01/2021 for refusal.

This can be viewed on the Durham County Council Planning Portal

Extracts from the Delegated Report

Esh Parish Council – Raise objections.

Objection is raised to the delays in the determination of the application and it is considered that this has happened to permit the County Durham Plan process to complete. Questions are raised as to why some documentation has only been made available in November 2020. The planning permissions should have expired. The development is considered to be in the wrong place and unnecessary. Assurances are sought that any subsequent detrimental effects of the development on Parish Council land are compensated by the developer. The existence of a drainage ditch on the eastern boundary of the site appears to have been overlooked. The existing fenced pumping station is not referenced. The main access route remains unclear and informed by outdated and inaccurate traffic survey data. Public footpath no. 27 and the LVRP will be damaged by the proposal. The recreation ground is now a Fields in Trust Centenary Field dedicated to the war dead and could face harmful flooding and tree removal impacts. The Local Planning Authority had up until recently misunderstood the land ownership of the recreation ground. Concerns regarding subsidence and the coal mining legacy of the site. The development would potentially not be completed until 2034 and both existing and prospective residents would be impacted upon by a build duration of this length. Further development which will lead to cumulative impacts have occurred since this scheme was granted outline planning permission including upon local services and facilities. Adequate housing is available for sale in the area. Any benefits of the development would fall within Witton Gilbert Parish not Esh yet it is Langley Park which would receive the impact. Objections are raised to the delivery of the access and impacts upon the LVRP and its users. No updated utilities assessment has been undertaken with particular reference made to internet provision. An improvement to services in Esh Parish should be funded by the developer. The sustainability and energy efficiency credentials of the development are criticised. No consultation has been made in regard to the provision of access routes to the adjacent Esh Parish recreation ground and works to trees therein.

Cllrs Simpson and Coult – Raise objections.

There have been unacceptable delays with the application and there is a clear lack of deliverability of the scheme. The Neighbourhood Plan does not allocate the site for housing. Concerns are raised over the severity of the flood risk. The site is a considerable distance from services and facilities and the gradients unappealing for elderly residents. Concerns are raised over the impact of the development upon local service capacity. The development has only one access and no emergency vehicle arrangements. The sustainability credentials/energy efficiency of the dwellings is inadequate. Significant concerns are raised in regards to the traffic implications of the development together with concerns over the structural integrity of the bridge over the River Browney. Detrimental impacts upon the Lanchester Valley Walk are cited.

Former Cllr McGaun – Raised objections.

Concerns were expressed regarding whether the correct procedures and due diligence have been followed. A great number of local residents have expressed their concerns including in regards to the scale and layout of the development, environmental impact and safety. Attention is drawn in particular to concerns in regards to flood risk and traffic implications.

Though the Reserved Matters have been REFUSED there is the possibility they may appeal the decision with the Secretary of State within 6 months.

COUNTY DURHAM PLAN

The site is included in the County Durham Plan (MAP)

and

(SHLLA) Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2019 (MAP)

It is also mentioned in the document below.

Durham County Council response SQ Matters 8-14

It is unlikely this will go away while the County Durham Plan runs until 2035.