Too noisy – Proposal for 18 houses rejected

COUNCILLORS have rejected plans to build houses next to a manufacturing site in Evenwood due to fears that noise could become a nuisance to future residents.

An outline planning application was submitted to Durham County Council for 18 houses on land north east of Jubilee Terrace and to

the north west of Copeland Lane.

In 2008, outline planning permission was granted on the site and an adjoining piece of land for 18 properties and a doctor’s surgery. The surgery has since been built.

Durham County Council’s South and West Area Planning Committee met last Thursday, September 21, to decide if the residential element, which expired in 2011, should be renewed.

The industrial site, occupied by CA Group Limited, borders the site for 18 two-storey two, three and four-bedroom detached, semi-

detached and terraced houses.

Officers had recommended that the application be refused due to the effect on future residents and the potential constraints on an existing business and its expansion.

Senior planning officer Tim Burnham said: “Noise from the business operations has been identified as being at the level of significant adverse impact.”

Results from a survey found that during the daytime that it would be too noisy for homeowners.

There would also be a significant impact during evenings.

Vehicle horns, reversing alarms and banging and grinding industrial sounds were cited.

Cllr George Richardson said: “This puts me very much in mind of a similar application at South Church which was close to production units with noise.

Given the circumstances and so many people working next door, I think we need to refuse this one.”

One letter of concern was received from CA Group Limited, which warned that during busy periods the factory can have 24-hour production. The letter recalled previous complaints from residents on Copeland Lane and explained that it was felt that the proposed properties would be too close to the manufacturing site.

Cllr Craig Martin added: “You can tell why there are a number of objections. I think it would not be a suitable place for anyone to live unless they like loud noises. They want to be able to continue to do the work they do.”

A unanimous vote was cast by councillors to reject the application.