Residents are celebrating after plans for 37 homes were refused following concerns they would be “catastrophic” for a County Durham village. 

Believe Housing submitted plans to build the new housing development at Seaton, near Seaham.

The developer’s revised application was reduced from 46, and included six affordable homes, but still faced significant opposition from residents and councillors. 

More than 360 objection letters were submitted to Durham County Council for the proposed development at The Horseboxes in Seaton. A petition with 283 signatories was also received. 

Residents are celebrating after plans for 37 homes were refused following concerns they would be “catastrophic” for a County Durham village. Residents are celebrating after plans for 37 homes were refused following concerns they would be “catastrophic” for a County Durham village. (Image: Believe Housing)

A Durham County Council planning meeting on Tuesday heard from concerned residents, who warned there is no need for more housing in Seaton and the village would not be able to cope due to the lack of amenities. 

Alyson Slater, chairman at Seaton with Slingley Parish Council, said: “This planning application will have a great impact on the village. It will be seen from every direction. The impact will be catastrophic. 

“We have a terrific community spirit. I am frightened that something like this development, something that we treasure is going to be lost. The bigger you make something the more you water it down. 

“We have a flourishing community centre. If this site goes ahead the elderly people could have trouble getting there. These people are the bread and butter of the community centre. If we lose people like this and they lose this amenity it will be an absolute disgrace.”

More than 360 objection letters were submitted to Durham County Council for the proposed development at The Horseboxes in Seaton.More than 360 objection letters were submitted to Durham County Council for the proposed development at The Horseboxes in Seaton. (Image: Google)

Local authority planning officers suggested the application should be approved, but committee members did not agree. 

Cllr David McKenna, of Seaham ward, labelled the proposed access route “unsafe and unsuitable”.

He added: “I am disappointed that Believe Housing is going forward with this application. This proposal threatens the integrity of our community and undermines the essence of a small village. 

“The residents of Seaton are a caring, tight-knit community. Over recent years they have been battling on two fronts with numerous residential meetings because of other residential developments.

“These constant proposals are causing undue stress on residents, it’s completely unfair. We all acknowledge we require housing, but social housing in the right places. This development does not sit well with me because our local housing provider is seeking maximum profit at the expense of residents.”

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Yet, Believe Housing said the 37-home estate “will support the economic sustainability of local services such as the two pubs, community centre, bus service, and the wider area.”

A statement added: “The scheme has been significantly amended since its original submission to comprehensively respond to both consultee and public comments. Working closely with officers has resulted in a sustainable scheme that provides much-needed housing of different tenures within East Durham, including bungalows for affordable rent.”

However, the planning committee shared the community concerns and voted against the planning application.