Durham County Council refuses Tantobie new homes plans

Applicant John Johnson, through Jon Tweddell Planning Ltd, proposed building two three-bedroom houses in Tantobie, Stanley.

However, the plans have been refused by Durham County Council, citing the site as an “unsustainable location”.

A proposed access road was described as “a poorly lit, narrow track without footways,” limiting access to sustainable transport.

Plans also failed to meet national minimum space standards, with the council noting the bedrooms were too small.

Highway safety was another area of concern, with the Highways Authority noting the access could not meet adoption standards and lacks safe pedestrian infrastructure.

Another issue was the environmental impact, with the applicant admitting to a biodiversity net loss of 84.58 percent, with no proposal for the required 10 percent uplift.

The council received one public objection stating concerns about inappropriate suburban design, overlooking/loss of privacy, unsafe access road, poor visibility at junction, biodiversity loss, and adverse impact on historic character and neighbouring residents with autism.

The applicant has the right to appeal the decision by July 23.