Developer appeals against decision to turn down plans for 100 homes in Toft Hill

REJECTED plans to build 100 homes in Toft Hill are to go to appeal.

People in the village and neighbouring Etherley opposed the plans when they were put forward in March last year.

A public meeting called by Etherley Parish Council heard that the main objection against the proposal was the increase in traffic it would bring to the A68.

People complained that the addition of 200 cars owned by householders would made the road even more dangerous than it already is.

The parish council and more than 60 people objected to the plans

The proposal was ultimately rejected by the Durham County Council’s south and west planning committee in September because of the impact it would have on traffic on the A68.

Stuart Timmiss, the head of county planning, said: “The local planning authority considers that the adverse impacts of the development, in terms of the proposal’s poor access to services and facilities resulting in reliance upon private car movements and the adverse landscape, impacts are such that they would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

Now the developers have lodged an appeal against the decision with the planning inspectorate.

The appeal process began on Wednesday, December 6.

Woodland resident Alastair Rutter, who opposed the application, said: “The impact of this plan will be felt by homeowners who have worked hard to get to where they are now.

“Some residents who have recently moved to the area just recently invested all their earnings and bought their first homes.

“It was a unanimous decision by Durham County Council and one that

shouldn’t be overturned.

“I hope the residents of Toft Hill will once again fight the appeal and rightly so.”

County councillor Stephen Hugill said another factor counting against the development is the lack of amenities in the two villages.

The shop and post office had closed in recent years, leaving a pub and community centre.

Another problem, he said, was access to the site which is potentially dangerous on the busy road.

Cllr Hugill, who is also a member of Etherley Parish Council, said: “It is going to be a problem for the village because of the heavy traffic.

“If we could get a bypass around the village that would make it better.

“There should be no problems if we had a bypass.”