VILLAGERS have accused the church of jumping the gun by pressing ahead with plans to build more than 100 homes on open countryside ahead of a public inquiry.
Some residents of Sherburn Village, near Durham City, are fighting to block the Church Commissioners’ proposals to build a new housing estate on agricultural land between Mill Lane and South Street.
The plans first emerged last year, but villagers understood no progress would be made until the scheme had been discussed at the second stage of the County Durham Plan examination in public, expected in the spring.
However, the Commissioners, who handle land matters for the Church of England, have now filed an application to Durham County Council for outline permission for up to 120 homes.
Resident John Austin said: “It’s come as a bolt out of the blue.
“People are really annoyed that it’s come at this time. It’s taken us unaware.
“We were gearing up to speak to the inspector (leading the examination in public) and take it from there.
“I can’t see why the Commissioners couldn’t wait on the inspector’s decision. I think they’re trying to put pressure on the inspector. We feel completely ignored.”
Villagers say the development would cause traffic congestion, be dangerous for motorists and pedestrians, affect what is a conservation area and damage a nearby nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
However, the plot was added to the County Durham Plan as earmarked for housing at a late stage.
County councillor Stephen Guy has objected to the plans and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) says it would be inappropriate to make a decision ahead of the inquiry.
Few details of the proposed homes have yet been released.
A Church Commissioners spokesman said: “The Commissioners support Durham County Council’s allocation of their land for housing at Sherburn Village.
“This follows the Commissioners’ long history of providing land for new homes there. A planning application has been made, in advance of the public inquiry, to demonstrate the Commissioners’ commitment to providing sustainable homes at Sherburn.”
A statutory council-run consultation on the plans runs until Tuesday, November 18. To comment, visit durham.gov.uk/planning, using the reference DM/14/02912/OUT
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here