Plans to build several garages in a County Durham town have been approved by the council.

Durham County Council has given the go-ahead for a single-storey, L-shaped garage block in Shildon.

The block, comprising six units, will be erected on a 599-square-metre site north-west of Drummond Way.

Designed for private vehicle storage, the garages must be built with Sherborne Riven brick and grey TLE tiles.

Construction must commence within three years from the approval date, October 9, 2024. However, the garages are strictly for non-commercial and non-residential use.

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The site, part of a larger 270-home residential plan, is currently undeveloped.

It will require a retaining wall due to its sloping topography, and the garages will be accessed via an existing shared driveway.

In terms of public objections, two residents voiced concerns.

Kelly Fletcher of Gresley Drive worried about potential noise, increased traffic, and safety risks from possible commercial use.

Amanda Moghimi of Drummond Way expressed disappointment over the change in land use, initially believed to remain a green area, and concerns over noise and increased activity.

The project is exempt from requiring a Biodiversity Net Gain plan, but two bird boxes must be integrated into the structure.

Any failed hedging plants must be replaced within five years.

Despite residents' concerns, the Highway Authority raised no objections regarding increased traffic.

The garages will be constructed to blend with the surrounding residential area, meeting the sustainable design requirements of the County Durham Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Out of 16 neighbour consultations, seven comments were received, with six objections.