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Holiday unit plan gets green light despite protests

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date16 January 2022
The proposal for four holiday units in eight cedar-clad shipping containers behind Poplar Terrace Garden Centre in Hall Lane, Shincliffe was recommended for refusal

However, Durham County Council's planning committee went against its officers and voted for the scheme.

The plan was approved 7-6 after the developer mounted a defence, claiming he was a victim of "local misrepresentation."

The council received 161 comments objecting to the proposals, saying they were harmful to the green belt, an "eyesore" encroaching on the countryside affecting wildlife offering few jobs or economic benefits.

However, 30 supporters said it was an innovative plan for a secluded site with little visual impact, boosting tourism and the economy.

Senior planning officer Jennifer Jennings said it was a "very finelybalanced decision" but there were no "special circumstances" outweighing the harm to the green belt, although the harm was deemed limited, reversible and temporary.

Shincliffe Parish Council objected to the garden centre and Unbox Ltd's plan, citing the green belt conflict during a time of climate emergency.

Representative Michael Banks said granting permission would set a precedent "the thin end of the wedge". He said: "What message are we sending out by building on it?"

Ward councillor David Stoker agreed and said of the proposal: "Not one person supported it."

Colin Jubb, representing the Shincliffe Green Belt Action Group, described it as "this latest attempt to nibble away at the green belt".

He said the containers were not temporary and were inappropriate development with "minimal" economic and employment benefit.

James Wilson, speaking for the developer, said he was "driven by my dedication to the environment and my passion to promote the very best of Durham" and wanted to protect and improve the area's beauty.

He asserted the plan was "a minute change" on a private, unseen location and would re-naturalise part of the green belt, planting 60 trees.

He told the committee meeting: "To refuse this is to not...

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