A housing scheme has been approved by the government after a public inquiry. 

Bellway Homes and County Durham Land (CDL) will build around 1,920 houses at Sniperley Park, in Pity Me, near Durham.

Durham County Council and the developers disputed details of the development for several years after planning officers previously said it was ‘minded to refuse’ two applications in 2022.

A public inquiry was held earlier this year to determine the outcome of the plans. 

Full planning permission has now been granted for 368 homes, while outline permission was approved for more than 1,550 homes. The proposals include four developments near the Park and Ride bus facility north of Durham City. 

County Durham Land will demolish buildings near the B6532 and 1,550 homes, a local centre, pub and primary school will be built.

Bellway’s plans comprise of three developments, including the approved 368 homes and converting farm buildings into four residential units. The housing developer said 25 per cent of its homes will be affordable, with 10 per cent marketed at older residents.

“The developers will invest almost £5 million in infrastructure to support the new homes,” a statement added.

“This includes contributions for the provision of a new primary school and nursery; extending an existing secondary school; a new healthcare facility; and transport improvements.

“New bus routes, cycle paths, footpaths and highways infrastructure will be provided. The financial contributions will also help to create new playing pitches and facilities to support these, and to provide new allotments.”

Stephen Reed, planning development manager at Durham County Council, said: “We have received confirmation of the Secretary of State’s decision and are currently working through the finer detail.”

Bellway Homes will build around 2,300 houses at Sniperley Park, in Pity Me, near Durham.Bellway Homes will build around 2,300 houses at Sniperley Park, in Pity Me, near Durham. (Image: Google)

News of the government’s decision ends the long-running dispute between Durham County Council, Bellway Homes and CDL.

The public inquiry in January and February heard that the County Durham Plan says 1,700 houses can be built as a “sustainable urban expansion” at Sniperley Park on former green belt land west of the A167. However local authority planning officers said the applicants hadn’t provided enough detail about the extra infrastructure and services in the area.

But the two developers disagreed. A statement from CDL at the inquiry read: “It is a scheme which is consistent with the development plan; secured by appropriate conditions and planning obligations and, subject to discrete points to be determined in either party’s favour, it is agreed that there are no longer any reasons to refuse consent.

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“It would be a travesty of effort and contrary to the public interest for this appeal to be dismissed.”

The decision was made by the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Matthew Pennycook MP on behalf of the Secretary of State. 

Construction work on the Sniperley Park site is due to start later this year.