COUNCILLORS have unanimously thrown out plans to build 42 homes on a field at the edge of a housing estate.

Outline planning permission to build up to 49 homes on land behind Willowtree Avenue, in Gilesgate Moor, Durham City, was granted by a Durham County Council committee last March.

However, housebuilder Bett Homes and the council have as yet failed to reach a deal on the details.

Bett’s initial hopes of building 46 dwellings were dashed and today (Tuesday, January 13) a council planning committee voted by 11-0 to refuse consent for a 42-home scheme – a result met with applause from the public gallery at County Hall.

The new estate would have had included six four bedroom semi-detached homes of two-and-a-half storeys, 19 four bedroom detached homes, eight three bedroom detached homes and three two bedroom and six one bedroom flats.

Bill Moir, a local county councillor and planning committee member, said he was “absolutely appalled” Bett wanted to build the tallest homes on the highest part of the site near Willowtree Avenue, this was “grossly unfair” on existing residents and slammed Bett’s consultation.

He also objected to Bett taking Belgravia House, a nearby apartment block, as precedent for their plans, saying: “I wish the ground would open up, without the people in the flats, and swallow up that eyesore.”

Cllr Patrick Conway, also a local county councillor and planning committee member, said the area was very busy as it had become a “rat run” for the Dragonville retail and trading area.

He accused Bett of failing to take into account local sensitivities and local residents and erecting an advertising board at the site promoting the proposed housing estate in contravention of planning law.

The firm has now applied for retrospective planning permission for the sign.

David Brocklehurst, the project agent, said Bett had reduced its proposals from 46 to 42 dwellings, was happy to discuss a construction management plan and research suggested one bedroom flats were in demand in the area.

However, his arguments failed to convince councillors, who went against their officers’ recommendation in refusing detailed planning permission.

Last March’s approval was granted as the council awaited the outcome of a planning appeal against its earlier decision, of October 2013, to refuse consent for 54 homes – an appeal that subsequently failed.