Mixed response to proposals for six homes on former garage site in Bowes

PLANS to build six houses on the site of a dilapidated garage have received a mixed reception from its neighbours.
Land off The Street, in Bowes, could see for four detached and two semi-detached homes if given the green light by county officials.
Barnard Castle’s Paul Alderson wants to make use of overgrown land behind the garage not used for 20 years.
Some villagers have backed the scheme, pointing to increased numbers for the primary school to secure its future.
But others living near the area expressed some worries.
Builder Darran Tunstall lives on a private road overlooking the proposed homes.
“It’s idyllic here and it provides a good sound block between here and the school,” said Mr Tunstall.
“There are 14 homes going ahead at the bottom of the village – there’s no industry, no jobs and a huge amount of housing planned for Barnard Castle.
“I do not see any real need for it.”
Ian Inman and his wife, Mary, were concerned about their adjoining wall and the potential for more homes behind the proposed six.
Mr Inman said: “I’m not satisfied at all with what going to happen. I think the nearby farmer would have something to say with his big machinery.
“It’s going to devalue my house.”
A separate plan last year saw 14 homes approved on the site of the former highways storage depot at the southern entrance to Bowes.
Neighbour Ann Hughes supported the application in general but told planners she would prefer a linear development in line with the shape of the village.
She added: “I am disappointed that yet another development will not provide the bungalow style housing that is needed for senior village residents to downsize into.”
Planning agents on behalf of Mr Alderson said the proposed dwellings would be “traditional in appearance” with private parking within the site.
The design statement added: “Consideration has been given to the existing buildings in the locale – the resultant proposal will enhance the area and improve the aesthetic appearance within the setting of the village.”
Members of Bowes Parish Council discussed the proposal last week.
In a statement on behalf of the council, clerk Helen Overfield said: “The two semi-detached detached houses should have provision made at the building stage for solid fuel heating as these properties are being built in a rural area with no mains gas.”