Barnard Castle residential scheme moves forward with planning committee backing

A new residential development in County Durham has secured the backing of Durham County Council’s planning committee.

The new scheme, led by North East developer Banks Property, will see the creation of up to 100 homes on a 5.5 hectare site just outside Barnard Castle.

More than 140 letters of support were submitted in support of the scheme, following objections from local residents.

The proposals were recommended for approval last week by the council’s planning officers, and now its planning committee has resolved to support the project.

Situated around a mile away from the town centre, the development is expected to support around 60 full-time jobs during its construction period.

Duncan Holness, project manager at Banks Property, commented: “Having had a recommendation for approval for this project from Durham County Council’s planning officers, we’re very pleased that the members of the Council’s planning committee have today been minded to give it their support.

“This is a carefully-designed, high-quality proposal situated in the most appropriate place in Barnard Castle for new homes and we know there will be a real demand for the types of properties that will be built there.

He continued: “Much of the feedback we’ve had on this project focused on the lack of housing supply which has been forcing young people who’ve grown up here to move away when they’ve wanted to stay.

“The increased supply of new family homes that this development will deliver for Barnard Castle will now mean more of them can build their families’ lives locally.

“We’re very grateful to all those who’ve expressed their support for this development and look forward to progressing our plans as quickly as we can.”