Neighbours campaign to halt Gainford land proposals

A VILLAGE might be “boxed into a corner” if objectors win the battle to prevent a vacant plot of land being developed, councillors were told.

Plans have been submitted to build a property on a site adjacent to Stable House, Main Road, Gainford.

But a number of residents are protesting about the size of the proposed home and the design. They are also worried about road safety.

Several people brought the matter to last week’s meeting of Gainford and Langton Parish Council, outlining why they thought the plan should be turned down.

However, Cllr Simon Platten warned: “How on earth is the village going to resolve having a vacant site like that?

“Objecting could be boxing us into a corner as a village because if not that, what will happen to it.”

Cllr Sarah Hannan added that Gainford needed to be consistent in its approach after campaigning for years for the redundant land at St Peter’s school to be developed.

She said: “We have got two ugly sites in the village – St Peter’s and this one. Residents are actively encouraging us to do something about St Peter’s but what about this one? We need some consistency.”

Originally a garden for Hazel Grove, the site would become a three-bedroomed property if the plans get the nod.

Helen Deakin, who lives adjacent to the plot at Tees View, spoke out at the parish meeting.

She said: “I’m not averse to development but I have two issues. Firstly the design – the footprint has grown from 2007 when the plans were refused.”

Councillors were told that although the property was listed as having three bedrooms, it would also have two studies which meant it could easily become a five-bed home.

Ms Deakin also said the design was out of keeping with the conservation area, adding that she was also worried about highways issues.

Resident David Burton, who lives next door, said: “It’s entirely not in keeping with the plot – it’s just too big. We will be overlooked but the main thing is the impact of the plot in the village.”

Other villagers have written to the county council. One said: “Access to this proposed dwelling is directly off the A67, an increasingly busy main road.

“It is opposite a fish and chip shop and 40m from a school crossing area.”

Cllr Platten noted that a high wall meant that much of what is planned would be out of sight.

Parish clerk Martin Clark said: “I was hoping the county council’s conversation team would have commented on the plans but they have not yet. They hold the trump card because they can comment on the design.”

Councillors also questioned the plans for a garage on the south elevation when the entrance was at the north.

“If it’s going to be a useable garage, that’s going to make it very difficult. It needs questioning,” said Cllr Hannan.

Parish councillors agreed to flag up the issues but not make an official objection to Durham County Council’s planning department, which will decide on the proposal in the coming weeks.