New twist in battle against plans for nearly 180 new homes in Billingham
A public inquiry will be held into a plan to build scores of new homes after an appeal from the developer.
Stockton Council’s planning committee refused the proposal for up to 179 homes and a community building near Sandy Lane West, Billingham, in June.
The scheme had attracted 279 letters of objection as opponents said it was an “accident waiting to happen” with concerns about traffic congestion near three schools and strain on overstretched services.
Councillors rejected the plan, against planning officers’ recommendation to approve it, on the grounds of character and identity – contending the plan would erode the separation between Billingham and Wolviston.
They also cited significant traffic noise and disturbance affecting residents.
Now developer TCC Land has argued the opposite as it appeals against the decision on the homes, community centre with car park and public open spaces.
A government-appointed inspector will hear the appeal in a six-day public inquiry starting on January 12 next year with a deadline of September 30 for representations.
The developer contends “there are no sound reasons for resisting the proposal”.
TCC Land says “the highest weight should be given to the proposed homes” because the area does not have five years worth of housing land
Billingham West and Wolviston councillors say they will continue to oppose the plans and stand “squarely by our residents and local groups”.
Conservative councillor Marcus Vickers described the appeal as a “disappointing, though entirely predictable, move”.
He said: “We have fought this side-by-side at every single stage, and that united front is not going to break now. We will continue to work together, co-ordinate our evidence, and fight this unsustainable proposal every step of the way.”
Fellow Conservative councillor David Reynard said: “The fact that the central government explicitly chose not to use its legislative powers to call this application in, following our direct correspondence, gives us massive hope.
“It sends a clear, powerful signal that local planning policy and local decisions must be respected.
“As the council actively reviews its Local Plan, forcing 179 unwanted homes on to our community right now would be completely premature. Speculative applications should not be allowed to bypass our unfolding democratic blueprint, and we will stand with our community to ensure our voice is heard by the inspectorate.”