Bid for 65 new homes in Barnard Castle

A developer wants permission to build 65 new homes in Barnard Castle despite pre-planning advice saying it would be refused.

Bellway Homes wants to build the houses on land along Darlington Road.

If approved they would range in size from two bedroom to five bedroom, 13 of which would be affordable homes.

They would also include bungalows, detached, semi-detached and terraced houses.

In a design and access statement, agent for Bellway Homes, Pegasus Group said: “The majority of the homes proposed are designed to be accessible and adaptable in order to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility.”

All the homes would also have electric vehicle charging points.

The agent confirmed that pre-planning advice in March 2023 concluded the proposed development “would not be supported”.

The agents said: “However, this feedback should be considered in the context that it was based on a high-level Masterplan supported by limited information.

“Furthermore, the assessment did not have regard to the detailed design and technical information that now accompanies this application.”

The county council’s education officers said schools in the vicinity of the development – Teesdale, Green Lane and Montalbo – had sufficient capacity to accommodate any children from the new estate.

However, they noted: “A contribution would be required of £70,708 for early years pupil places (4 x £17,677).”

An NHS response to the application said Barnard Castle Surgery is at capacity and Section 106 money would be needed from the development to “support creating additional capacity to provide appropriate services for patients”.

The NHS proposed a contribution of £36,628.