Decision delayed on 17 over-55s bungalows near Sunderland after more than 500 objections
A decision on controversial plans for 17 ‘age-exclusive’ bungalows on the outskirts of Sunderland has been delayed after more than 500 objections were lodged.
Councillors were due to rule on the proposed over-55s development on land north of Fairhaven, in Springwell, but have instead agreed to visit the site before reaching a decision.
The scheme has attracted opposition over concerns including development in the Green Belt, increased traffic and the potential impact on heritage and wildlife.
A council planning report noted that the site is designated as Green Belt land under the council’s local plan, and is bounded by agricultural fields and residential development.
It also lies close to the Bowes Railway Scheduled Monument.
More than 500 objections were submitted during a public consultation, raising concerns including inappropriate development within the Green Belt, traffic generation and the impact on heritage.
The council report noted that previous applications for residential development on the land had been refused as they were considered “inappropriate development in the Green Belt” at the time.
However, council planning officers recommended that the latest bungalow scheme be given the go-ahead, saying the recently revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allowed for the introduction of “grey belt land”, described as “land within the Green Belt that would be considered suitable for development”.
They added the Springwell site would constitute grey belt land and that “owing to its location on the edge of an existing settlement, would not necessarily undermine the purposes (taken together of the Green Belt), and would meet the criteria of being in a sustainable location.”
A number of speakers attended Monday’s planning meeting, including local ward councillors and a representative from Springwell Village Residents’ Association.
They addressed councillors and raised concerns about the impact of the bungalows on the Green Belt, the potential for the scheme to set a precedent for future development, as well as ecological and heritage impacts.
The plans have been submitted by Dennis Harley Developments Ltd.
After hearing the speakers and following a formal motion, the planning and highways committee voted to defer a decision on the plans to allow councillors to visit the site.