Plans to build a residential property by a listed building have been refused by Durham County Council after numerous objections were raised.

Neighbours and nearby residents submitted 43 objections to the proposed development near the Mill House, a Grade II listed building in Hamsterley, raising concerns about the modern design's impact on the historical environment.

The proposed site, close to ancient woodland, prompted significant worries about the ecological and environmental impact, with objectors fearing harm to the delicate ecosystem and local wildlife.

Concerns about highway safety were also highlighted, as Mill Farm Road, the primary access route, was deemed narrow, unlit, and leading to a dead end, raising fears of increased traffic.

The local sewage network, already overloaded, was another point of contention, with residents fearing it would struggle to cope with additional strain from a new dwelling.

Removal of a significant number of trees was also a major concern, with objectors noting their ecological and environmental value.

Proposals also faced objections from several statutory bodies.

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The Highway Authority raised concerns about the site's lack of easy access to services, facilities, and sustainable transport modes, as well as the risk of vehicle-pedestrian conflict on Mill Farm Road.

The council's landscape team objected to the development within the countryside, citing concerns about the harm to irreplaceable habitats, while the council's trees team also objected to the removal of 12 mature trees.

The spatial policy team objected based on a conflict with the County Durham Plan, noting that the proposal did not fit within an existing built-up area or meet exceptions for development in the countryside.

Durham County Council's design and conservation team, however, raised no objections, stating the design was appropriate in terms of materials and context.

The environmental health team also raised no objections, provided appropriate conditions were put in place during construction.

Proposals were ultimately considered unsustainable due to its failure to meet locational, ecological, and highway safety criteria.

Concerns about the loss of valuable trees and the impact on the wider landscape also contributed to the decision to refuse the application.