Plans to build seven new homes in a County Durham village have been refused due to their potential impact on the countryside. 

Applicant Pamur Co Ltd hoped to demolish a bungalow at 21 Tudhoe Lane to provide access to the homes but faced a backlash from planning officials and residents. 

A Durham County Council planning meeting was told the homes would “change the character of the village” and expand its boundary towards Tudhoe Colliery. 

Speaking today (Thursday), Tudhoe county councillor Billy McAloon said: “We have no idea what these proposed dwellings could end up looking like. It could be that the finished designs would be a lot more modern and not in keeping with the village’s rural look. 

The development would have been built on land (outlined in red) off Tudhoe Lane, Tudhoe Village. The development would have been built on land (outlined in red) off Tudhoe Lane, Tudhoe Village. (Image: The Northern Echo)

“I object to the loss of the countryside, the land has been left undisturbed for ages and there’s lots of wildlife living there.”

Alistair Willis, planning director at Lichfields speaking on behalf of the applicant, disputed the local authority’s recommendation to refuse the proposal, saying the judgement is “clearly not safe”. 

He added: “My client has received many expressions of interest for all plots and there is a clear need for this kind of development.”

However, 40 objections to the plans were submitted including a petition signed by 30 people. Just five letters of support were received. Committee members also shared their concerns after visiting the site and speaking to neighbours. 

“Clearly this encroaches into the countryside, it changes the character, but also it's like a back development,” said councillor Eddy Adam. 

He added: “The character of the proposal doesn’t strike me as something that is appropriate for that location. It’s like it’s stuck on the back of other buildings.”

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. Initial plans proposed nine homes but that was later reduced to seven. 

Councillor Shirley Quinn warned of the impact the development would have on the surrounding area if approved. She said: “My main worry is, that because these are self-build plots, how long are people in the area going to suffer from wagons, lorries, noise, and mess? This could go on for a number of years. 

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“Looking at the site, we should be steering away from giving agricultural land away for buildings. It leaves a sour taste.” 

Spennymoor councillor Liz Maddison added: “It’s a quiet and very nice area. The people of the village enjoy it. Self-builds will disturb all of that. This will have a detrimental effect on the villagers and people on Tudhoe Lane.”

The application was refused by eight votes to two.