Plans for 40 homes on Amazon-led Integra 61 development

Ravensworth Property Developments LLP have applied to Durham County Council to build up to 40 homes on former farmland in Bowburn.

The outline application is linked to land west of the A688 opposite Durham Services and is described in planning documents as the “last piece of the jigsaw” in the wider Integra 61 masterplan.

The scheme, currently under construction near junction 61 of the A1 (M), includes several large industrial and warehouse units alongside a range of residential and leisure opportunities.

It is also expected to create thousands of jobs for the region with high profile tenants including internet giant Amazon.

As part of the new planning application, a mixture of two to five-bedroom homes are proposed with access to the estate taken from the east of the A688.

Around eight affordable homes are also planned and would be secured by a legal agreement with the council in future.

A design and access statement states additional facilities from Integra 61 will benefit people living in the new homes, including additional GP surgeries, retail units and a care home.

A separate planning statement, prepared for the applicant, adds the housing plan would deliver “economic, social and environmental gains.”

It goes on to say: “As delivery of Integra 61 progresses, it is changing the physical environment of the application site, creating an ‘infill’ site when viewed in the context of the wider strategic development incorporating major infrastructure improvements.

“As such, development of the site will contribute to the council’s economic and social objectives almost as the ‘last’ development parcel.”

A decision on the housing plan is expected by the end of July following consultation.

Comments can be made by writing to Durham County Council’s planning department before Thursday, May 7.

As an outline application, details around scale, design and layout will be decided at a later date.

For more information, visit the council’s ‘planning portal’ and search reference: DM/20/00895/OUT

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