Protesters against Durham development call it "an insult to local democracy"
Council planners gave the go-ahead to 300 new homes on a golf course in Durham, but outside the meeting, campaigners called it "appalling".
Approval for 300 new homes
Councillors have approved a plan to build 300 new homes and student accommodation on a golf course south of Durham.
Durham housing developer says 300 new homes are "very positive news"
The developer of 300 new homes and student accommodation in Durham says it will create jobs, help Durham University and improve public spaces and wildlife. The development was granted planning permission by Durham County Council.
– Mark Dowdall, environment and community director at the Banks Group“Our vision is to create an outstanding, high quality, low density, sustainable neighbourhood of families and students with a green infrastructure, well connected to public transport.
“Hundreds of local jobs will be supported directly and indirectly by this £200m development, at a time when such employment opportunities are very badly needed.
“It will support Durham University’s drive towards maintaining its position as one of the world’s pre-eminent institutions, open up a range of public open spaces and footpaths and enhance the habitats available to local wildlife."
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Housing development plans approved
A council planning committee has approved plans for 300 new homes and student accommodation on a golf course in Durham. Councillors voted 11 - four in favour of the development, despite strong opposition.
Durham planning decision will be a close vote
by Ben Chapman, at the meetingPlanning meeting has now heard 3 speeches for and 3 speeches against the proposals. This is going to be a close vote.
Developer says housing scheme is "important for Durham"
Mark Dowdall from Banks Group has told a planning meeting his company's proposal for new homes in Durham will provide "outstanding and high quality" homes for families and students.
He said the development would drive economic growth in Durham and new 'executive' homes would attract high-achieving entrepreneurs.
Police say man wanted in connection with assault "is still in York"
A man wanted in connection with a violent assault in a pub is believed still to be in York. Detectives want to question Ryan MacLeod, 21.
A man needed stitches to a facial injury after he was attacked by a number of men in the smoking area of the Castle Howard Ox in November.
Detective Inspector Dave Kirby said: “If you are one of the people who is helping MacLeod to avoid the police, when we eventually catch up with him we will take action against you as well."
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Strong support for housing plan objections
Objectors to a housing development in Durham have strong support in the council planning meeting to decide the issue. Every objector is getting a large round of applause when they finish speaking.Planning officials revealed they received 549 letters of objection, and 2116 signatures on a petition.
Local MP opposes new housing plan
The Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods has told a planning meeting she opposes a development of new homes on a golf course in Durham."I'm here because I care passionately about the beautiful city I represent. This is not an appropriate development," she said.
She added she was in favour of creating jobs in Durham, but said the promised new jobs would be temporary, and the development would not attract new students to the city. She said councillors should protect the city's green space.
University and business groups back housing plan
Durham University and several business organisations back plans to build 300 houses and student accommodation in Durham.
The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) all support the plan, which the developer says will create 164 jobs, plus 120 during construction.
Controversial housing plan meeting begun
Councillors are being asked to approve a controversial development of 300 new homes and student accommodation on a golf course south of Durham.
More than 2000 residents signed a petition opposing the plans, which is backed by the Durham MP, Roberta Blackman-Woods. The meeting has begun and is full.