PLANS for a new bungalow development in County Durham have been approved.

Last year, plans were lodged with Durham County Council to redevelop land off Findon Avenue in the Esh and Witton Gilbert ward.

The site was formerly occupied by two terraces of prefabricated garages, which have since been demolished.

Believe Housing aims to transform the site into four bungalows – with an extended adopted highway, a new parking area and public open space – and meet demand for bungalows in the area.

A mixture of affordable general needs and wheelchair adaptable bungalows were proposed.

During consultation, Witton Gilbert Parish Council supported the application.

Durham County Council’s planning department later approved the bungalow scheme on February 18, 2021.

A design and access statement, prepared for the applicant, states the proposal would seek to have “as low as possible impact on the amenity of surrounding residents by the single storey nature of the bungalows”.

It stated: “The proposed layout has been designed to make the most efficient use of the site whilst respecting the amenity of the surrounding residents. 

“All units are [providing] suitably sized garden areas. Access to the site would utilise the existing highway network and parking to all units is provided to the front.

“In summary, it is considered that the proposed development is located in a sustainable location that satisfies national guidance and local planning policy.”

For more information about the application, visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning reference: DM/20/03421/FPA