DM/26/00565/FPA – Development of 34 homes with open space and associated landscaping and infrastructure
Address: Land East Of Foxglove Drive, Primrose Hill, Etherley Dene, Bishop Auckland
08/04/2026 – Bishop Auckland Town Council objected to this planning application.
Bishop Auckland Town Council has considered the above planning application and wishes to make the following observations.
Surface Water and Drainage
The Town Council supports the position of the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and agrees that determination of this application should be deferred until a full and detailed drainage strategy has been submitted, assessed, and found acceptable.
Given the known local issues relating to surface water management and flood risk, it is essential that drainage is addressed comprehensively prior to any decision being made, rather than by condition.
Environmental and Ecological Considerations
The Town Council acknowledges that, based on the information currently submitted, there are no grounds for refusal on environmental or ecological impacts alone. However, this does not negate the need for careful consideration of wider planning balance matters, including land use, sustainability, and community impact.
Loss of Green Space
The Town Council is concerned about the loss of green space arising from this proposal and requests that the Local Planning Authority give this matter full and careful consideration. In particular, the Council asks that:
- The importance and function of the site as green space within the local area be assessed
- Whether appropriate alternative provision exists or is proposed; and
- Whether brownfield land options have been adequately prioritised before the release of greenfield land.
Housing Need and Site Selection
The Town Council requests that Karbon Homes be required to evidence robustly that:
- All reasonable local regeneration and brownfield site opportunities have been exhausted;
- The proposed new build development represents a demonstrably better solution to meeting housing needs than the re use or refurbishment of empty properties; and
- There is a clear and specific housing need for this scale and type of development within Etherley Dene, rather than a generalised housing supply argument.
Clear justification is required to show why this site is the most appropriate option in planning terms.
Public Objection and Material Planning Considerations
The Town Council notes the overwhelming level of public opposition to this application, including submissions raising significant material planning concerns. The Council strongly urges the Planning Authority to ensure that:
- All representations are fully assessed;
- Material considerations raised by residents are properly addressed; and
- Due weight is given to both statutory consultation responses and the strength of local feeling.
While public opposition alone is not a reason for refusal, the issues raised must be meaningfully engaged with as part of a balanced and transparent decision making process.
Conclusion
In summary, the Town Council:
- Supports deferral of determination until a full drainage strategy has been provided and assessed;
- Raises concerns regarding the loss of green space and the need to prioritise brownfield solutions;
- Seeks robust justification for the site selection and housing need specific to Etherley Dene; and
- Requests that the Planning Authority gives full regard to the evidence before it, statutory consultee feedback, and the extent of public concern.
The Town Council respectfully requests that these matters are carefully considered before any decision is reached.
To view and make comment on this application, visit the Durham County Council’s Planning Portal.
The consultation expiry date for comments is 17th June 2026.