Council asks for more time to consider new village homes plan

Lartington Parish Council has asked county planners to give them more time to discuss a controversial application for three new homes in the village.

Permission for the homes on land at Oak Croft, along Lartington Green Lane, was refused in 2024 because of the extra wastewater it would add to the sewerage system.

Planners also complained the development encroached on countryside of higher landscape value and was not compatible with the village’s conservation area.

In addition, they said future occupants would be reliant on private cars for access to services, facilities, education and employment.

At that time there were 19 objections to the scheme, including the parish council. In 2024 Natural England said it could not comment on the application because the nutrient neutrality study was flawed.

Now, Origin Planning Services on behalf of the developer have submitted new plans to address the reason for the previous rejection.

The plans are for two four-bedroom double storey homes and one three-bedroom double storey house.

Stephen Litherland, of Origin, disputed the reliance of future occupants on private transport, saying the site is within 200 metres of a bus stop.

He added: “The site is also within convenient reach of a range of local facilities and services in Barnard Castle, including shops, schools, healthcare provision, leisure amenities, and employment opportunities.

“This proximity enables future residents to meet day-to-day needs without reliance on the private car.”

He said the layout of the scheme had been revised to set the home further back on the site, and a single entrance for all homes had been introduced.

Mr Litherland said: “The design of the dwellings adopts a simple, predominantly rectangular plan across two storeys, with traditional roof proportions and attached double garages. The material palette – natural stone walling, slate roof tiles, and timber windows and doors – draws directly from the local vernacular, ensuring the new buildings sit comfortably within their setting.”

He added: “The nutrient neutrality assessment confirms that any increase in nutrient loading as a result of foul water discharge from the development will be fully offset by the purchase of 3.22 nutrient credits.”

Consultation on the development was due to expire on July 6.

In asking for an extension until July 17, Lartington Parish Council said: “This will ensure there is sufficient time for the residents of the village to participate in a full consultation process and enable the parish council to collate views and opinions of residents and submit an informed response.”

The parish council is due to meet on Tuesday, July 14.