Villagers delighted at homes scheme refusal

Residents were concerned that the scheme, for The Paddock, would ruin views and have a detrimental impact on nearby Witton House, a grade II-listed building.

At a meeting of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee, Howden ward councillor Kathleen Parkin, said: "I am not opposed to developing the site, but feel the plans are inappropriate. There are simply too many houses for the site.

"There are also concerns about the impact of the development on the whole village and future of trees on the site."

Councillor John Ferguson, who represents West Auckland, said: "I saw a similar scheme in my ward, Ullswater Grove, change people's lives forever. So we must ensure that the nature of the development doesn't detract from the village as a whole."

Anne Hornsey, chairwoman of Witton-le-Wear Parish Council, said she was delighted at the refusal of the plans.

She said: "We are pleased with the decision as it reflects the opinions of locals.

"Witton-le-Wear is a very pretty village and people are worried that 14 houses would be obtrusive to residents and visitors and impose on Witton House."

The decision of the committee went against the recommendation of the council's planning officers, who felt the courtyard's character, traditional house design and landscaping suited the village.

The applicant, Newton Moor Construction, had agreed to retain many of the mature trees on the site and also said it would donate money to create a play area or public space in the village, as part of the scheme.

The company, from Ushaw Moor, intends to appeal against the decision.

Managing director Eric Clark said: "We have worked closely with planning officials, kept within central Government guidelines and completely changed six plots to meet local concerns.

"We were disappointed when members did not take their officers' opinions on board and will appeal over the decision rather than amend our plans further."