A SCHEME to build 79 homes on a greenfield site originally designated as a buffer between Newton Aycliffe and the countryside has been recommended for approval.

Gleeson Homes hopes to build a mixture of detached and semi-detached two story houses on land to the North of Travellers Green.

Durham County Council’s south and west area planning committee will determine the application when it meets in Spennymoor next week.

The undeveloped site, which was used as a nursery and gardens until 2002, was designated as a ‘green wedge’ in the Sedgefield Borough Local Plan.

This means development proposals should normally be refused as the land helps define the settings of towns and villages.

However, Newton Aycliffe has also been identified as a ‘main town’ in the emerging County Durham plan and is a focus for growth.

In a report submitted to committee members, the applicant stated: “The site provides a sustainable development opportunity and would contribute to the provision of a mix of housing size, types and affordability in the area, particularly promoting family housing and appropriate dwellings which allow people to stay in their local community.

“The site provides ready access to local amenities, schools and employment sites and is considered sustainable”

The development would comprise 17 two-bedroom and 27 three-bedroom semi-detached properties and 26 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom detached properties.

Access would be from Travellers Green and the houses would be arranged around a series of cul-de-sacs.

Existing hedgerows and mature trees would be retained, with more plants and shrubs planted to soften the visual impact of the development from the A167.

Gleeson Homes would also contribute £79,000 towards the provision and maintenance of open spaces and recreational facilities.

But not all residents are happy at the prospect, with eight letters of objection sent to the council.

Issued raised include concerns over the impact on newts and the overall ecology of the area, the number of houses proposed, unsustainable pressure on nearby roads and disturbances during construction.

Despite these concerns, Steven Pilkington, senior planning officer at Durham County Council, has recommended the scheme for approval.

In his report, Mr Pilkington pointed out that while the land helps to create a buffer between Newton Aycliffe and surrounding fields, the A167, which runs alongside, forms an effective barrier.

He also noted how the National Planning Policy Framework does not specifically mention green wedges as a method of protection.

The planning meeting takes place in the council offices in Spennymoor on Thursday, May 14, at 2pm.