PLANS to build eight new homes in Teesdale have prompted 70 letters of objection from concerned residents.

The application, submitted to Durham County Council, is for eight, three-bedroom, detached houses on land west of Marwood Terrace in Cotherstone.

Concerns have been raised on the loss of green space and the lack of employment opportunities in the area, as well as the potential increase in pollution and noise from more traffic.

Residents are also questioning the demand for new homes in Cotherstone, as some existing properties have been listed for sale for over a year, which they say demonstrates little need for the development.

One resident, of Cotherstone, said: “The village is a conservation area and has been denoted such because of its outstanding aspect and green spaces. This is a very valuable residential amenity.

“My immediate thought is that when there are a number of houses on sale in the village, some that have been up for sale for a number of months, why is there a need to build more, damaging the landscape and reducing the amount of green space?”

Another Cotherstone resident added: “I strongly object to this proposed development on the grounds that there are already a large number of properties standing empty and for sale in the village.

“Some of these have been for sale for over a year and they range in price and number of bedrooms, including three and four bedroom properties similar to those in the proposed development.”

Cotherstone Parish Council has also objected to the proposals as the application site is within the conservation area and outside of the residential area, it also believes there is not enough demand to warrant building the extra homes.

However, a statement on behalf of the applicant says the development would benefit the area, bringing jobs during the construction period.

It added: “We are of the firm view that the proposed development is acceptable in principle and will not have any significant adverse impacts upon the surrounding area in terms of visual, traffic and parking and other amenity, built heritage, ecological or environmental considerations.”

The plans state the new homes would be built of stone with timber painted windows and slate roofs, to fit in with the existing houses in the village.

Durham County Council’s planning committee will meet on Thursday (September 18) to make a decision.

To view the application, visit durham.gov.uk and search for reference number DM/14/01322/FPA.