Relief as government stays out of 179-homes plan

The government has decided not to intervene in a 179-home plan which was refused last month.

TCC Land's application to build on two fields near Sandy Lane West, Billingham, was refused by councillors having drawn 279 letters of objection including over traffic and green space concerns.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCG) declined to "call in" the application, meaning the decision by Stockton Council's planning committee stands.

Local councillors Marcus Vickers and David Reynard called it a "major victory". The developer has the right to appeal against the council's refusal within six months and said it "still considers the site to be sustainable and suitable".

The Labour-led council's planning officers had recommended the development for approval, but the committee rejected it with a 10-2 majority.

An MHCG letter seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service stated: "The policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will only be used very selectively.

"The Secretary of State has decided not to call in this application. He is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority."

Conservative councillors Vickers and Reynard, who represent Billingham West and Wolviston, wrote to the Secretary of State and the Minister of Planning arguing the council made a "thoroughly considered decision made by those who best understand the area".

"Specifically, the development would cause severe traffic congestion and pose a serious road safety hazard near three local schools," they said.

"Furthermore, it would result in the irreversible loss of an important green buffer zone that separates distinct local communities."

Vickers said: "This is a major victory for local democracy and, most importantly, for the residents."

Reynard added the decision was an "enormous relief" and said they would resist future attempts to develop the site.

TCC Land said it had "enjoyed working with the community" on the consultation and amended plans post submission in response.

It said it included traffic calming measures on the main road, and a parking area that could serve parents using nearby schools.

A spokesperson said: "TCC Land still considers the site to be sustainable and suitable for residential development and believes that it can play an important role in helping the local authority meet its housing needs going forward."

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