An 'open house' for developers warning

THE borough of Stockton could become an “open house” for developers to build wherever they like, councillors have warned.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

Cautious estimates of the amount of homes expected to be built in the Stockton area could have far-reaching consequences for decisions on planning permission. Stockton Council says it cannot show five years’ worth of future housing, only four, so the system swings in favour of future developments.

It will mean applications for residential development should be granted planning _ permission, unless national policy protecting areas or assets give a good reason to refuse them, or harmful impacts would “significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits”.

Conservative group leader Councillor Tony Riordan, who sits on the council’s planning committee which decides on major plans and represents Norton North, has criticised the council’s report on its housing supply as “bonkers”.

Planning services manager Simon Grundy said the assessment of housing supply looked at the availability and delivery of housing sites over a five-year period. He said: “The overall deliverability is a critical factor in that assessment.”