A HOUSING development has been given the go-ahead on part of a narrow band of green space separating neighbouring communities.

Barratt Homes has won approval to build 102 three and four-bedroom homes, a mixture of detached and semi-detached properties, east of the former Broomhill Estate, in Hetton-le-Hole.

The 10.2 acre site borders with part of the Coptleigh estate, in the Copt Hill area of nearby Houghton-le-Spring.

It also sits just west of the Stephenson Trail walkway and is near to the Seven Sisters prehistoric burial mound, excavated by Durham University archaeologists as recently as 2004.

Barratt’s revised application includes an extra 22 homes from its original plan, which was granted approval in November 2013.

The developer has also pledged to contribute £80,000 to develop children’s play facilities on site and to assist in the provision of extra place provision in nearby schools.

A total of 23 letters of representation, raising various concerns about the scheme, were submitted in response to the revised application.

Among fears raised were in relation to potential over-development of the area, risk of flooding through over-capacity of sewage and drainage, plus other ecological and hydrological issues.

Durham Wildlife Trust pointed out the land forms part of a wildlife corridor, but accepts that would not preclude development.

Local councillor Derrick Smith objected due to the potential impact on local school capacity, doctor and dental surgery waiting lists, and would bring the loss of “community land”, used by people of Hetton-le-Hole and Houghton-le-Spring for more than 20 years.

He pointed out it was near a recognised flood area and would have potential impact on the ecology of the nearby Hetton Bogs, a site of special scientific interest, with the risk of polluted surface water and sewage discharging into the neighbouring Rough Dene Burn.

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee was told that although classed as an area “settlement break”, and a departure from adopted development plan, weight should be given to “sustainable development” and the need for a range of housing as part of national planning policy framework.

Members agreed to grant approval to the scheme, but with a number of conditions put in place.

These include the need for additional approval for detailed plans for an acceptable road crossing of the Stephenson Trail as well as for the removal and treatment of Japanese knotweed on site.