Go ahead for homes despite road safety fears

A controversial housing development near a busy road has been given the go-ahead despite opposition from residents who fear for motorists’ safety.
Plans to build 13 houses on the former site of the Brown Jug Inn, at Evenwood Gate, were approved last Thursday by Durham County Council’s planning committee.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposal, agreeing that the new housing scheme would be “an improvement” to the area.
This is despite concerns from residents about extra traffic coming on and off the A688. The whole stretch of the A688 is eighth in Road Safety Foundation’s list of the UK’s most dangerous roads.
The applicant, Mark Fenwick, of Marfen Homes Ltd, has already been granted outline planning permission for the site twice previously. The most recent permission was issued in June this year when the former pub was demolished.  The site will consist of a mixture of three bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses including one affordable property at discount market price. Each house will have two parking spaces.
Speaking at last week’s meeting, senior planning officer Tim Burnham said: “This one has been knocking about before and has previously had outline approval.
“It has come back in again as the highways department required a turning circle. It has been a bit of an eyesore and the pub has now been demolished.”
Cllr Mike Dixon said: “It only came back because of the turning circle which seems to be an enhancement to the development.”
The turning head will extend into an area of scrub and paddock associated with the adjacent bungalow rather than into open countryside.
Cllr John Clare said: “We have already approved this in principle. This is an enhancement.”
The committee heard how seven terraced properties will face the road, “mirroring” the houses opposite. Although they will have a slightly different design to the terraces over the road, Mr Burnham said it wasn’t anything “unacceptable.” Highways officers also ruled that safe access had been achieved and the proposed A688 junction positioning was acceptable. New footways will be introduced along the A688 as well as revisions to the road markings.
Residents from Evenwood Gate have campaigned for years to reduce the speed limit on the road and have argued that the new development would increase the danger. However, the committee said there were no issues.
Cllr Christine Wilson said: “The houses would be an improvement on this area. It is an eyesore and does need improving.” Cllr George Richardson said: “I would be thrilled to see this approved.”
Despite letters of objections from five addresses, each reiterating highway safety concerns, the development was approved following a recommendation from officers.
The approval was subject to a £13,000 contribution towards open space provision in the Evenwood electoral division.