Bungalows plan rejected over noise fears

Plans for 15 new bungalows near an industrial estate have been rejected amid fears prospective residents would have been unable to open their windows due to noise.

Durham County Council planning officers said the proposed Eclipse Development site in Crook was too close to the industrial units.

Applicant Julie Baines said there was a shortage of bungalows in the area which the scheme would have addressed.

The council's planning committee voted unanimously to refuse permission.

Councillors said the plan was “ambitious” but lacked information and detail, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mrs Baines said noise reports were carried out and the site was designed to be screened from any excess noise levels from nearby facilities.

“Every aspect of the design has been carefully considered throughout the process to ensure that noise is minimised and any residual impacts would be negligible,” she said.

Bu planning officers warned residents would not be able to open windows due to their proximity to the neighbouring industrial units. 

Senior planning officer Gemma Heron said: “While we do recognise the benefits of bringing the bungalows to the area, the scheme represents poor conditions for future occupiers due to the unacceptable noise levels generated from the adjacent employment use.”

Ward councillor Anne Reed said she could not support the plans while Eddy Adam, who represents Aycliffe West, said the application was "somewhat confusing".

He said: “It’s an area that clearly needs housing, but... to have bungalows in such an area would be inappropriate because of the noise levels residents would experience.” 

Shirley Quinn, councillor for Shildon and Dene Valley, said: “This is a very ambitious planning application, and I don’t think we are in any position to recommend approval.”

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