Sniperly Park inquiry awaits Gove’s decision

A PUBLIC inquiry over a new estate north of Durham has concluded.

Durham County Council, Bellway Homes and County Durham Land (CDL) were locked in a two-week dispute over plans for a large housing estate at Sniperley Park.

Planning officers previously said it was ‘minded to refuse’ two applications in 2022 but Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Housing and Levelling Up, will make the final choice.

The inquiry looked at four appeals from the developers.

They want to build up to 1,550 homes, shops, a pub and a school; and they also want to build up to 370 homes near Sniperley Park and Ride, and adapt or demolish some old farm buildings.

The County Durham Plan says that 1,700 houses can be built at Sniperley Park, which used to be green belt, as a “sustainable urban expansion”.

But the council’s planning officers said the developers have not given enough information about extra items like roads and services that are needed, and called for more clarity.

“Whilst considerable progress has been made and CDL have adopted a position of overall responsibility for delivery, their proposal still falls short of what can be expected for a fully policy compliant scheme,” its statement read.

“For example, CDL remains reliant on the council to deliver important elements of the overall scheme including Park and Ride.

“Bellway is seen in a completely different light as it is unable to secure a means by which it can secure compliance with Policy 5.”

CDL said the scheme would provide numerous benefits, and deliver comprehensive public and active travel transport provision.

And Bellway told the inquiry that even the council is “desperate” for the development to go ahead

The inquiry decision is due later this year.