Controversial plans for a mixed-use house in a County Durham street have been withdrawn after public disquiet and vandalism. 

A proposal to convert the three-bed home on Frederick Street, Seaham, led to dozens of objections from residents due to the “insane” bid for it to house nine bedrooms. 

The outcry over the plans started in February when a planning application was submitted to Durham County Council. The house was sold for £61,000 at an auction in October and is said to be in serious need of renovation. 

The applicant David Smith planned to build an extension and convert the existing garage to house the nine occupants, to help support local NHS students. 

The Northern Echo: The applicant's full statement has been posted to the property alongside a notice from residents titled 'WE WON!!!' The applicant's full statement has been posted to the property alongside a notice from residents titled 'WE WON!!!' (Image: The Northern Echo)

But objections from residents, Seaham Town Council and the area’s MP Grahame Morris soon followed, and the tension came to a head last week when a window at the front of the property was smashed. 

Easington MP Mr Morris said: “The purpose of this application isn’t to provide decent affordable housing but to maximise profits and income for a developer.”

“If approved, Durham County Council will be providing a green light to speculative developers to exploit our community and impose unsustainable housing in areas where there is no demand and desire for such accommodation.”

Zoe Swenson-Wright, who lives next door to the property, said the damage was a form of protest vandalism, most likely from someone not living in the street.

“It’s a way to send a message,” she said. “We never have vandalism on this street. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where people knock on the door to tell you you left your keys in the lock”

Ms Swenson-Wright added: “It’s a very friendly, family street close to the centre of town, but these neighbourhoods are being targeted for HMOs now for some reason.”

Critics of the new homeowner also accused him of buying the property as a quick way to make a passive income. 

The neighbour added: “It was such an insane plan. They were trying to build a house where vulnerable people coming out of prison or refugees would not be able to cook for themselves. The only plan seemed to be to make as much money as possible.”
The Northern Echo: The house was sold for £61,000 at an auction in October and is said to be in serious need of renovation. The house was sold for £61,000 at an auction in October and is said to be in serious need of renovation. (Image: The Northern Echo)

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Mr Smith has confirmed he plans to sell the property after the backlash. In a statement to residents, he claimed his intentions had been “grossly misrepresented amid growing community concern”. 

“This initiative aimed to facilitate [the students’] placement and learning in a challenging environment, not to house ‘nine males’ or ‘boat people’ as incorrectly rumoured.

“Our plan was to create a safe, convenient living space for students to enhance their professional competence. Regrettably, the backlash and outright hostility have forced me to reconsider my investment in this project.”