Plans for a new estate comprising 55 affordable homes have been given the green light. Adderstone Living’s bid to construct the residential project behind Consett Park Terrace, Moorside, was given the thumbs-up by Durham County Council on Thursday, December 19.
The scheme promises a blend of two and three-bedroom properties, with bungalows and two-storey houses mixed in, aimed at offering both “much-needed” housing and affordable rents in the region. The site, nestled between Consett and Castleside, was once home to the Moorside Hotel.
Social housing provider Castles & Coasts Housing Association will take the reins of the newly approved estate. However, objectors warned the development would harm the area’s heritage and t.
Amber Nixon, a resident of Consett Park Terrace, said the scenic views across the valley “will be negatively impacted by excavations and building works resulting in an irreversible change to the area of high landscape value”. She also said residents will lose key green space on their doorstep. Ms Nixon spoke at the council meeting after dozens of objections were submitted to the council in response to the plans.
An objector added: “The gardens of Consett Park Terrace act as a shield, giving uninterrupted views, bringing wildlife benefits. Protection of green spaces should be encouraged for physical and mental health benefits. It is unreasonable to expect the proposed landscaping to provide any real cover to screen from the grade II listed viaduct.”
(Image: Adderstone Living)
Although admitting he understood both arguments, councillor Alex Watson, member for Consett North, supported the residents’ concerns. He said: “Although I think it’s too many [homes], I believe there’s a need for development on the Moorside hotel site, which has been the subject of various applications in the past. I accept there’s a need for social housing but I think it’s a step too far into the countryside.”
But in supporting the proposal, councillor Angela Sterling stressed the need for more local homes. The Delves Lane member added: “What’s ringing loud through my ears is the [council] target to build 2,011 homes every year, 800 of those should be affordable. We have a target to build 500 council homes by 2029, so the need is vast and we’re a long way short. It’s really rare that we see an application come through for 100 per cent affordable homes. I’m minded to approve this because of the affordable home need.”
A council vote on the planning application was tied at four votes each, with committee chairman cllr Watts Stelling approving the proposal. Onsite work is due to start in 2025.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/consetts-new-affordable-housing-estate-30643503
