East Durham College’s housing plan faces opposition due to concerns about loss of playing fields and design flaws.
The county council might reject the plan. A committee will meet on Tuesday. Planning officials worry about losing the field and need proof that playing fields aren’t needed. They said the plan lacks this evidence.
The design of the houses has been criticised too. The entrance might need the removal of trees, which planners think harms the area’s look. Sport England also objects to building the homes, sharing concerns about losing the playing field.
A letter from them mentions vital missing proof. No one showed the field is truly extra, nor was a better replacement field proposed. But Grahame Morris, an MP, supports the project. He wants to reuse this currently unused area.
The college can fund education with generated money and provide housing people need. The plan changed from 63 houses to 54. The college stated the location is accessible and is near Peterlee amenities with good transport links.
Schools are near the site’s south side. The industrial area rests west of the A19. Shops like Morrisons and Lidl sit on the east. Several services are ready to use here.