A controversial bid to expand a builders’ merchants has been rejected after strong opposition from residents. 

The owners of the site, off the A167 at Chester Moor, had applied for a new building to be used as a customer display area and a new storage shed on the site of the former Olivers Garden Centre. 

But Durham County Council planning officers found several faults with the application, saying it would have a significant impact on the green belt. They said there would have to be very special circumstances to justify the need for the proposal and they couldn’t support it. 

The proposal was also labelled “inappropriate” and harmful to the greenbelt, which would create unacceptable harm to the quality of the landscape.

The authority received 18 objections from the public, with several appearing at the meeting to object to the proposal. 

The Northern Echo: The site of the builders' merchants (outlined in red) at Chester Moor, near Chester-le-StreetThe site of the builders' merchants (outlined in red) at Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street (Image: The Northern Echo)

No representatives for the applicant Joseph Parr Ltd were at the meeting on Thursday (March 30) but a statement submitted as part of the proposal read: “The application site is large enough and has existing landscaped areas which not only meet Joseph Parr’s own ecological aspirations but enable the company to conform, to both lesser and greater degrees, with Durham County Council’s many existing and emerging ecological/environmental policies.”

But residents remain unconvinced and worry that the large vehicles will have a negative impact on neighbours. David Holding told the meeting that large lorries had previously been seen using the housing estate, to the worry of homeowners. 

Cllr Carl Marshall said: “This is one of those applications which is pretty clear cut for me. I have to agree with the residents that there are clearly knock-on effects from vehicles on the surrounding area.”

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The Labour leader’s concerns were echoed by Cllr Patricia Jopling, who said she empathised with the residents. “Having seen the pictures of the lorry going into the housing estate, it doesn’t take long for something horrible to happen,” she added. 

But cllr Alex Watson was a singular supporter of the proposal in the council chamber. He argued that the development would enhance the area “in many ways”. 

The proposal was rejected by 10 votes to 1, prompting applause from the public gallery.