The County Planning Committee met to discuss and approve a planning application for the erection of 97 dwellings with associated works on land west of 20 Pont Road, Leadgate

Land West Of 20 Pont Road, Leadgate DH8 6HE

The committee approved planning application DM/23/03633/FPA for the erection of 97 dwellings with associated works on land west of 20 Pont Road, Leadgate DH8 6HE.

The application sought full planning permission for the erection of 97 dwellings, and associated landscaping and infrastructure. The development proposes the following mix of dwellings:

• 10 two-bedroom bungalows
• 13 two-bedroom houses
• 46 three-bedroom houses
• 28 four-bedroom houses

The application included the following affordable housing provision, to be secured under a legal agreement:

• 10 Discount Market Sale units
• 5 Affordable Rent units

The site is considered to be outwith the built-up area of Leadgate and is therefore in the countryside, as described in the definition of a built-up area in the Glossary of the CDP.

61 letters of objection had been received from the public, raising concerns including: loss of countryside, impact on character of Leadgate, unsustainable location, capacity of local services, increased flood risk, highway safety concerns, ecological impact.

The planning officer's report concluded that the site is in a sustainable location, which is well related to the settlement of Leadgate. Subject to detailed design matters it is considered that the principle of developing this site for housing is acceptable in accordance with Policies 6, 10 and 21 of the County Durham Plan.

The committee resolved to approve the application subject to conditions, and completion of an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1991 (as amended) to secure:

• 15% of Affordable housing on-site comprising 10 discounted sale and 5 Affordable Rent units
• £316,056 contribution toward increasing capacity at Consett Academy
• £81,460 contribution toward increasing capacity at SEND schools across the County
• £46,851 contribution toward increasing NHS GP surgery capacity
• £143,618.20 contribution toward improving public open spaces
• a Section 39 agreement to secure an on-site Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan as well as long term management, maintenance and monitoring and associated fees.