New houses in County Durham village refused after objections

The application, submitted by Mr K Dent of Naby Farm, Lartington, sought to build three detached houses with stone walls, slate roofs, and timber windows on 0.38 hectares of grazing land in the Lartington Conservation Area.

The design included private parking spaces, gravel driveways, and additional features such as soakaway surface water management and a package treatment plant for foul water disposal.

Proposals faced strong opposition from residents and authorities alike.

Main concerns centred on the impact on the conservation area's character, increased reliance on private cars due to limited local transport options, and the potential for nitrate pollution affecting the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area/Ramsar site.

Nineteen residents lodged objections, highlighting issues such as poor design, environmental harm, increased traffic, and the lack of need for "executive homes" in the area.

The Grove's residents raised concerns about the loss of privacy due to the proximity and height of the proposed new homes, while Springwood Cottage's occupant expressed fears over the compromise to the uniqueness and character of the village.

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Mrs Amy Pringle of 2 The Flats questioned the need for the development in a small hamlet with no shops or amenities and limited public transport.

The application was refused on November 25, with the council citing harm to the historic village character, the conservation area, and the Area of Higher Landscape Value.

The council also highlighted the lack of adequate mitigation for potential nitrate pollution.

Despite the adjustments made from a previously rejected four-dwelling proposal, the council deemed the changes insufficient to address the core issues.

The refusal notice noted that the development would lead to "suburbanisation" of the historic village character and encroachment into the open countryside.

Applicants have been informed of their right to appeal the decision within six months.