Housing developer Persimmon Homes applied to build the large development on land to the east of Fern Dene, off Knitsley Lane, Templetown.
The Consett site will include two, three, four, and five-bedroomed bungalows, houses and 2.5 storey townhouses in a range of detached, semi-detached and terraced options. Vehicular access to the site will be provided through the continuation of the Ovington Court distributor road.
Delves Lane councillor Angela Sterling said she broadly supported the proposal but highlighted residents’ concerns. Despite multiple pleas, local authorities have been unable to secure a bus service for the new estate.
Where the 170 homes will be built at Templetown
Cllr Sterling told a planning committee: “Residents are worried the Dales View estate could become a rat run to avoid the Consett traffic. The speeding on the estate is already a pain for people.”
However, she said the site had always been allocated for housing.
“This isn’t something to fight against,” she said. “Our role is to get the best development we can for the people of the ward.”
Planning officers said nearby areas in Delves Lane are “well-serviced”.
A total of 11 letters of objection were submitted from residents. Concerns over the plans also noted the overdevelopment of the site and the lack of need for further housing.
Patrick O’Sullivan, objecting, told the meeting: “I fully recognise the need for additional housing but only if there is adequate infrastructure to support the housing development. I am particularly concerned about the impact this development might have on Knitsley Lane and the additional traffic generated.
“If this development proceeds I believe there is a high risk of more traffic accidents on this road. Perhaps the council could consider putting additional signage and provide suitable passing places because it’s only wide enough for one car.”
Proposed links from the new estate to an existing cycle route were praised, however. Up to 20 per cent of the new homes will be allocated for elderly provision and affordable housing.
Adam McVickers, land and planning manager at Persimmon Homes, said: “This new development will support Durham council’s ambition for local housing needs while delivering new investment and employment opportunities in the local community. It’s critical that sites, which are already allocated for housing, come forward.”
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“The scheme sensitively balances the area’s industrial heritage with the rural interface, resulting in a well-designed and built development, which will be unique to the town.
“The development will support Durham’s ambition of meeting local housing need and will make a real difference to local people and local home buyers trying to get on the property ladder.”
Committee members approved the proposal at a planning meeting on Friday.