Plans approved for 20 new bungalows at development in Wheatley Hill

Plans were submitted by house-builders Dere Street Homes and Karbon Homes, although the development is expected to be managed by the Durham Aged Miners Association once completed.

Concerns were raised about a footpath across the site linking Black Lane and Percy Street and the effect this could have on crime and other ‘antisocial problems’.

Coun David Freeman said: “[The planning department’s] report talks about the path through the development and notes the police architectural liaison officer has said such footpaths are not a good idea because of antisocial behaviour.

“Looking at the site it doesn’t really look like a shortcut is needed.”

Coun Freeman was speaking at a meeting of Durham County Council’s Area Planning Committee for Central and East Durham.

A report for councillors referenced problems with similar paths in other new-build estates which are used by motorbike riders.

Officers from the council’s planning department told the panel on ‘planning balance’ it was felt ‘retaining permeability through the site takes precedence’.

The land is next to the East Durham Medical Group surgery and was previously home to ‘dense terraced housing’ which was demolished in the 1980s.

A total of 23 bungalows are planned as part of the scheme, arranged in a u-shape and each with a street parking space, as well as five additional visitor bays.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the proposals, subject to a suitable drainage system being agreed for the site, which had not been resolved at the time of the meeting.