Durham County Council approve bungalow plans for village

The single-storey, four-bedroom property is set to be constructed on land north of Gable Terrace, Wheatley Hill.

Proposals, spearheaded by Mr Justin Burns of Horden, encompasses a 0.15-hectare site and will feature new vehicle and pedestrian access to the public highway.

Classified as previously developed or brownfield land, the site met various planning conditions, including those related to sustainability and design.

The property will be constructed using red-facing bricks for the walls, grey concrete tiles for the roof, and anthracite UPVC windows and doors.

There will also be parking provisions for four vehicles.

The bungalow will also include a number of ecological and sustainable features such as an integrated bird box to promote local biodiversity and solar panels.

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It is not in a flood risk area, and the surrounding urban environment minimises potential biodiversity impacts, making the project exempt from the statutory biodiversity net gain condition.

The bungalow is designated as a self-build project, meaning it cannot be sold or occupied by anyone other than the self-builder for at least three years post-completion.

The proposal was met with no objections from local residents or the council’s highways, environmental health, or ecology departments.

However, conditions were imposed regarding noise insulation and soundproofing.

A financial contribution of £1,739.10 for green infrastructure is also required via a Section 106 agreement.

The development must begin within three years, with compliance with submitted plans being mandatory.

The property must also have an operational electric vehicle charging point prior to occupation.

Contaminated land remediation and a Phase 4 verification report must be completed before use.

The approval, granted on January 14, 2025, outlines that the project must adhere to Residential Amenity Standards, including separation distances and garden provision requirements.

The bungalow will have direct access to the C6 road and is within 400m of public transport links, including bus stops.

The development marks a continuation of residential expansion in County Durham on previously underutilised urban sites.

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