House in Lintzford garden approved despite 58 objections

A total of 58 objections were lodged, with residents voicing concerns about traffic safety, drainage, the character of the estate, and potential environmental impacts.

Despite this, plans for the proposed two-storey, five-bedroom detached house - to be built in the rear garden of a house in 5 Lintzford Road, Hamsterley Mill - were approved on Friday (November 1).

The plan, submitted by Steve Donald, will see the use of Strathstone buff brick for walls, slate roof tiles, and dark grey uPVC windows to match existing properties.

Although the proposal meets County Durham Plan (CDP) policies on sustainable development, design, residential amenity, and environmental protection, it has sparked resistance from locals.

Moyra Murray, a local resident, objected due to the narrow access from Lodge Close, deemed unsuitable for heavy vehicles.

She said: "The access from Lodge Close is too narrow for heavy vehicles and the turning circle is too small, heavy vehicles often have to reverse back up, which can be dangerous and result in damage to our grass verges and overhanging trees."

Most read

• Gogglebox fans call for 'horrible' Mary Killen to be axed

• Man charged after alleged attempted rape in South Park, Darlington

• Gainford: County Durham village next to the River Tees

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here - now only £2 for 2 months!

Mrs Murray also raised environmental concerns, stating: "From an environmental perspective, building another house on the existing plot would result in loss of green space, altering the ambiance of the estate."

Michael Litchfield also flagged the proposed junction for not meeting DCC Highway standards, citing inadequate vision splay and the route's insufficiency for emergency and refuse vehicles.

He added that the development is "totally out of design ethos/character with the environs of Hamsterley Mill."

Alan Henderson opposed the development for compromising the estate's character, asserting that it was designed as a garden estate with large gardens creating an atmosphere of space.

The approval for the construction comes with specific conditions, including restricted construction access to Lintzford Road, mandatory parking spaces, EV charging facilities, and a detailed construction management plan to be submitted prior to construction.