Plans to build seven new homes and demolish a bungalow in a County Durham village are set to be refused over the impact they would have on the countryside. 

The applicant Pamur Co Ltd hopes to create seven self-build plots on land near Tudhoe Lane, in Tudhoe Village, but has faced a backlash from planning officials and residents. 

A self-build plot is when owners directly organise the design and construction of their home. Community-led projects and groups can also work together to develop a self-build scheme.

The proposal, near Spennymoor, also includes demolishing the bungalow at 21 Tudhoe Lane. The application originally proposed nine homes but has been reduced in size.

A Durham County Council planning committee will consider the application on Thursday (October 17). 

Tudhoe County Councillor Billy McAloon warned of the impact it would have on the village and nearby conservation area through encroachment. His concerns were echoed by Spennymorr Town Council, which previously warned of other housing developments affecting the “tranquil, peaceful rural aspect” of the area. 

A statement read: “This development would extend the boundaries of the village and blur the distinction between the Village and Tudhoe Colliery which in turn could lead to a coalescence of Tudhoe Colliery and Tudhoe Village into one.”

A recent application to build 37 homes at Atwood Terrace was refused, after being seen by many as a creeping, piecemeal deterioration of the distinction between Tudhoe Colliery and Tudhoe Village.

Residents submitted 40 letters of objection including a petition signed by 30 people. Just five letters of support were received.

However, Pamur Co Ltd claims it has “worked positively” following the comments to deliver a “sympathetic and high-quality residential addition to the village of Tudhoe”. It has also submitted a detailed design code, providing a series of parameters that must be complied with for any further development. 

“It cannot be said that the proposal is not well related to the settlement or an inappropriate incursion into the open countryside – it follows the development which is already present in the village,” the applicant said.

“Neither does it bring any one settlement any closer to another, resulting in any kind of coalescence. The site is sufficiently separated from the Conservation Area, such that there are no historic environment objections or causes for concern.” 

Where the development could be builtWhere the development could be built (Image: The Northern Echo)
But locals warn the existing plans are for outline permission only and could be altered at a later date. 

Recommended reading: 

Subscribe to The Northern Echo now.

Durham County Council’s planning officers have recommended the proposal be refused by the committee. 

A statement read: “The application site lies within the open countryside in a position that is outside of, and not considered well related visually to, the settlement of Tudhoe Village. The principle of the development in this location is therefore considered unacceptable.

“The proposal by virtue of its position is considered to result in an unacceptable incursion into the open countryside and would contribute to coalescence between neighbouring settlements of Tudhoe Village and Tudhoe Colliery.”