A plan to build 181 homes on the edge of a County Durham town has been approved. 

The new housing development will be built on land south of Greylingstadt Terrace at The Middles, Stanley. 

Durham County Council’s planning committee approved the proposal on Wednesday. 

The site is surrounded by several local services and facilities including a primary school, shops, village hall, and medical centre. 

Gleeson Homes, the applicant, will build a mix of two, three, and four-bed homes in the new estate. Up to 18 of the properties will be bungalows. 

Of the 181 homes, 18 will be designated as “affordable”. 

The site is surrounded by several local services and facilities including a primary school, shops, village hall, and medical centre. The site is surrounded by several local services and facilities including a primary school, shops, village hall, and medical centre. (Image: Durham County Council)

Chris Dodds, land director at Gleeson Homes, said the developer specialises in providing entry-level housing for young people and first-time buyers. 

A statement read: “The proposals aim to deliver quality new homes to local people in addition to providing much-needed new housing in this location. Gleeson has an ethos of providing high-quality, low-cost homes, predominantly targeting first-time buyers and those looking to advance onto the property ladder. 

“We take special care in determining selling prices that are affordable to as much of the local market as possible. Gleeson houses offer significant cost savings to residents through energy bills, which is particularly relevant in these times.”

The developer will issue funds for local footpath improvement works, increased GP surgery capacity, and new open spaces. 

Gleeson’s statement added: “Community engagement is a crucial part of the development process, and Gleeson will work closely with the local schools to make an impact in a positive way by promoting strong community ties and inspiring the future generations.

“Gleeson is committed to providing ‘Local Jobs for Local People’ and offers priority of employment to those living within 2 miles of each site, ensuring that the benefit of jobs and spending go directly to the local community.”

The local authority received 20 objections to the proposal, with residents saying it would harm the tranquillity of the countryside and that there is no need for additional homes. 

Councillor Mark Wilkes, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, called for more clarity around biodiversity net gain at the site. 

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However, the council’s planning department said the benefits of the site outweighed the harms and recommended the proposal be approved. 

Councillor Kevin Shaw added: “Schemes like this are absolutely essential if as a council, we are going to meet our future housing need.”

The proposal was unanimously approved by the planning committee.