Housing gets the green light
Coun Paul Stewart said: “My understanding is Miller Homes can go ahead regardless of what we decide.
“Themistakethattherewas a condition in the original applicationwhichshouldn’thave been there and all we’re being asked to do is remove a condition which is not enforceable.”
The updated proposals for the site, north of Seaburn Camp, also went before the panel in January where councillors agreed to delay a decision and instead ask for a survey of sewage capacity in the area.
This request was later rejected by council bosses, who said they were ‘satisfied’ with evidence from Northumbrian Waterassertingsewagecapacity is ‘sufficient’.
ThiswasdismissedbyConservative opposition councillor James Doyle, who spoke on behalf of opponents but is not a member of the Planning and Highways Committee.
He said: “Perhaps, through arrogance or ignorance or a combination of the two, Miller Homes and Northumbrian Waterbelievetheycanpullthe wool over our eyes.
“I believe this is an exercise in premeditation, that Miller Homes and Northumbrian Water know an investigation would reveal the inadequacy of the existing network.”
Liberal Democrat Martin Haswell proposed a new amendment approving the plans but requiring Miller Homes to carry out a survey before connecting to the sewage network.
The panel was advised this would not be legally enforceableandthatdevelopersalready have an ‘absolute right’ to connectduetotheoriginalapplication’s approval in 2019.
Councillors voted by 7-5 in favour of the latest proposal.