COUNCILLORS have been advised to approve plans for a £30m housing development on the outskirts of Durham City.

Banks Property has put forward plans for 271 family homes on the 27-acre Browney Lane site, which is agricultural land in Meadowfield.

The application has been recommended for approval by Durham County Council’s planning officers ahead of a meeting at County Hall on Tuesday.

Case officer Barry Gavillet said: “It is considered to be in a sustainable location for residential development and would contribute toward an identified housing need in the area including the provision of affordable housing along with provision for older persons.

“The development would provide play provision on site as well as contributing toward the enhancement of existing recreational facilities elsewhere in the locality.”

The council has received 43 letters of objection from 31 separate addresses as a result of the consultation process.

The main areas of concern include an increase in traffic, congestion and highway safety, the increase in pressure on local services such as schools and health facilities, flooding and sewer capacity issues, overdevelopment, loss of village character and that the proposed traffic lights would result in a loss of trade to nearby businesses.

Six letters of support have also been received, arguing the development would result in the regeneration of the area and investment, which would be of benefit to local businesses.

The Friends of Addison Park welcome the development and say the development would result in the area being rejuvenated and better use of the park.

Banks Property has said £217,000 would be invested in play equipment with £50,000 allocated for public art works.

Michael Shuttleworth, managing director of Banks Property, says: “We’re very pleased to have had the merits of our Browney Lane proposals recognised by the county council’s planning officers, and hope the members of its planning committee will chose to follow their recommendation.

“Improving the existing flow of traffic in the area was highlighted to us as a key area for action by many local people, and we have dedicated substantial resources to ensuring that this is addressed as a priority if our plans are given the go-ahead.”