Bellway set for Durham green light
The housebuilder’s plans for 93 homes on land north of George Pit Lane in Great Lumley are recommended for approval next week.
Supported by Lichfields, the 14-acre site is located immediately next to existing built development off Stainmore Drive.
In 2022, the developer submitted plans for up to 157 homes on two adjoining sites, including the current application site, which reduced to 148 during the planning process.
Durham Council refused the application in 2023, citing concerns that the development would have too great an impact on the surrounding countryside, would not relate well to the existing village, and that the site was not well connected to local shops, services, and facilities in Great Lumley.
Bellway appealed the decision, and a public inquiry was held in 2024. The planning inspector concluded that the scheme would not cause unacceptable harm to the landscape but upheld the refusal because of concerns about the site’s sustainability, particularly its accessibility to local services.
Bellway says those issues have now been addressed in the latest planning application.
The revised proposals comprise a mix of two- to five-bedroom houses and bungalows, with 15% affordable.
Vehicular access is proposed to be taken from the west off Cocken Lane via a new T junction.
