Appeal against refusal of plans for homes in wynyard dismissed

A developer has lost an appeal against a council's decision to turn down its proposal for 135 homes in Wynyard. Cameron Hall Developments and Banks Homes asked for planning permission

to build the two to five-bedroom homes in Wynyard Village. However, residents objected to the scheme and Stockton Council's planning committee rejected the proposal, against its

officers' recommendation, in May last year, saying the plans went too far. The plans had attracted 65 objections saying it was overdevelopment which would cause traffic congestion and

be out of keeping with Wynyard. Councillors on the committee agreed after finding that if the scheme and other plans were approved, the number of new homes in the area would shoot up from

500 to 767, a rise of more than 50%. Cameron Hall Developments Ltd has since appealed against the committee's decision, saying their reason for refusal was "not justified". It

would deliver "high quality well designed dwellings" with "a landscaped residential environment of the highest quality", open space, tree-lined streets, an extended

recreational route and a pedestrian and cycle link to the Castle Eden Walkway, which "not only preserves the overall character and appeal of Wynyard Village but also enhances it",

said Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, stating the case on behalf of the developer. It argued a new local centre would provide up to eight units to contain a medical centre,

restaurant or cafe, community facility, vets' practice and other retail units, adding to the shops and services already available in the village. It was said on behalf of the developer:

"It is clear that the reason for refusal is without any basis." The council argued the proposed homes would have taken the number of homes "beyond what was considered to be a

typical village extension and the original envisaged scale of the 'Wynyard Village extension' which was for 650 dwellings". It said it heard residents' concerns that the

extension's density would be "excessive", undermining the "quality of place" and harming the village, with a "lack of social infrastructure and lack of

delivery of the associated facilities". The authority said in its statement: "Members were justified in considering all the associated factors surrounding the development of this

part of Wynyard Village, including the associated background. Members overall conclusions were that the proposal would result in an overdevelopment of the area and thus there would be an

undermining [of] the overall characteristics of Wynyard Village." 'ALARMED BY WHAT THEY REGARD AS OVERDEVELOPMENT' Allan Fletcher, chairman of Wynyard Parish Council, wrote:

"We feel strongly that we must represent the overwhelming majority of our parish residents who have become alarmed by what they regard as overdevelopment at Wynyard." He called for

a public hearing or inquiry, saying: "The public, and Wynyard residents in particular, deserve the opportunity to express their views, and to witness a thorough impartial examination

of all the issues surrounding the Wynyard Village Extension." A government-appointed planning inspector, Timothy Burnham, did not find against the developer on overdevelopment, saying

the homes were "well below what would be considered standard density". He said: "I cannot therefore conclude that the proposal would represent an overdevelopment of the site

nor would it undermine the characteristics of Wynyard village." However he said it could harm the nearby grade II* listed Wynyard Park and Garden and have an "urbanising

influence" on a site with 18th and 19th century associations. He found there would be conflict with Stockton Local Plan policies which aim to "conserve and enhance the historic

environment", "ensure that the significance of Wynyard Park Registered Park and Garden is not harmed" and seek development which is "designed to the highest possible

standard taking into consideration the context of the surrounding area and the need to respond positively to heritage assets". Mr Burnham said: "The appeal proposal, through the

introduction of substantial built development within close proximity to the parkland would harm the significance of the Wynyard Park grade II* listed park and garden through introducing a

suburban influence into the setting of the parkland which would be at odds with the sense of isolation and enclosure which is a key characteristic of the parkland landscape, harming its

setting." He said there would be public and economic benefits, education and financial contributions, but they had to be weighed against the harm to the important grade II* listed

asset: "It would result in less than substantial harm to the setting of Wynyard Park Grade II* listed park and garden, harm which would not be outweighed by the public benefits. This is

a matter which weighs against the proposal. "There is also conflict with the LP (Local Plan) around these matters... The appeal is therefore dismissed." JOIN TEESSIDE LIVE'S

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