Homes plan for former pub site
mittee, stated the building had “no historic interest and low architectural interest” with the site being suitable for development.
During consultation, a letter was also received on behalf of the nearby Aldi food store raising concerns about the design of the estate. Following discussions with the developer, the scheme was revised with greater separation distance between the homes and the supermarket.
Coun Colin English, who represents the Doxford ward, voted against the plans over concerns about vehicles accessing the estate on the same road used by Aldi customers.
Speaking at the meeting, he asked whether additional traffic would “compound” existing traffic issues, noting the impact of other housing developments in the area.
“There has to be a point where we look at applications as a whole.”
council officer said that traffic generated by the estate would be similar to levels generated by the pub.
Cabinet member for housing and regeneration, Coun Stuart Porthouse, also criticised the designs for new housing, describing them as “featureless”.
He added while more should be done to improve the appearance of new properties, the committee’s “hands were tied” by planning policy
Following discussion, councillors voted through the housing plans, with one vote in opposition.
Under planning conditions, two of the two-bedroom dwellings will be classed as affordable housing with the applicant also signing a section 106 agreement.
This will see The Inn Place Partnership pay £13,319 – £701 per property – towards providing or improving play facilities in the Doxford ward.