‘Smelly pig farm’ in Hamsterley to be replaced by housing

PEOPLE in Hamsterley are celebrating after permission was granted to demolish a “nuisance” pig farm and replace it with new homes.

Some neighbours have long complained about the smells coming from Green View Lodge, which is close to the village hall and Hamsterley Primary School.

On the worst days, children at the school are kept inside.

Durham County Council’s south and west planning committee granted permission for its demolition on Thursday last week, despite planning officer Tim Burnham recommending the proposal be refused.

He said the development encroached into an area of high landscape value and

the removal of trees would be a loss of amenity for the village.

He added: “The effect of the new access on the site frontage and character of the village green would have a materially harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area.”

However, county councillor for the area Heather Smith dismissed the planner’s comments.

She said: “Most of it is tatty old farm buildings and scrub land.” Cllr Smith added that people in the village were largely in support of the demolition because of the stink the pig sties cause.

She said they welcomed the addition of new homes.

She said: “I have had people come to my surgery to complain.

“I now live in Hamsterley and I am several hundred yards away – on the worst days I can smell it.”

Children from the village school are kept indoors during play time when the stench is bad, she added.

Mr Burnham said: “The removal of the pig farm and its associated odours are significant environmental benefits, but this could still be achieved by a different scheme of development so it does not carry overriding weight.

“There may be scope for an acceptable scheme to be achieved, but issues of landscape impact and design of the access will need to be addressed.”

Despite this, the committee approved the application which will allow for 12 new homes.

Cllr Smith said: “The planning officer’s report recommended refusal but there was a great desire for the pig farm and its problems to disappear.”