COUNCILLORS have turned down a proposal to build houses next to an industrial estate.

Gleeson Homes applied to Durham County Council for permission to build 61 homes on Dovecot Hill, South Church, near Bishop Auckland.

The developer wanted to build a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties on a field formerly used as allotments.

Members of the area planning committee, which met at Spennymoor today (Thursday, February 19), heard that 27 letters of objection were sent to the council by nearby residents and businesses.

Road safety and the proximity to South Church Industrial Estate - which would be just eight metres away from some of the properties’ gardens - were among the main concerns.

Dene Valley Parish Council also raised concerns about the loss of public open space and lack of play facilities.

John Lavender, representing businesses on the estate, said established firms feared their operations and viability could be threatened if residents complained about noise.

He said: “The future of a prestige industrial estate should not be compromised by houses located inappropriately and unacceptably close.

“Tensions will arise between industry and housing.”

David Barlow, regional director at Gleeson, argued the development would be a £7m investment by the company, create 50 local jobs and support community projects from schools and youth activities to apprenticeships and a neighbourhood watch scheme.

Officers said a proposed earth bund and specialist fencing would reduce noise pollution and that the highways department did not object and recommended approval of the scheme.

Councillors voted 11-2 to refuse the application.