PLANS for a new housing development on outskirts of a north Durham village were unveiled today (Wednesday, March 18) – and almost immediately came under fire from residents.

David Wilson Homes, of Barratt Developments, has opened consultation on proposals for 52 homes on 8.8 acres of greenfield land at Cadger Bank, Lanchester.

The scheme, revealed at the Lanchester Community Centre today, comes as controversy continues to rage over plans by Story Homes to build 149 homes in the village’s Newbiggin Lane.

The chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural Lanchester, Eric Hepplewhite said: “We have exactly the same arguments against this proposal as we have against Story Homes’ plans for Newbiggin Lane.

“It will ruin the character of the village. It will also create traffic safety and parking problems.

“The schools in the village are all over subscribed, as well. There are people in the village having to travel elsewhere to take their children to school.”

Lanchester Partnership chairman Mike Gladstone said: “The village wouldn’t recommend any development that’s not within comfortable walking distance from the shops (which this is not).

“And we don’t see any reason for the village to be forced into accepting a large estate. The village is about the size that we like it.

“If they want to build houses they should put them somewhere they are wanted.”

Barratt Developments urban designer Stuart Ward said: “We are looking at building about 52 units.

“I have to emphasise this is still in its preliminary stages. It is a loose scheme – certainly not of a high density.

“The units will range from one bed up to four to five bedroom family homes and includes affordable homes. The existing trees will also be retained.

“The land here is a natural extension of the urban landscape."

He added: “We want to engage with residents’ ideas and find ways in which we can gain their support.

“We are a quality house builder with a good reputation and want to deliver a quality product for land being allocated.”

Ward Hadaway planning consultant Andrew Moss said: “Lanchester is a village of some size, with a range of services and facilities, good transport links and schools.

“It is the sort of place where some development should be accommodated in going forward.

“Clearly the development needs to be of an appropriate scale, of a high standard and acceptable in highway safety terms.