Developer says homes plan will bring 305 jobs

A DEVELOPER has applied for planning permission to build 248 homes despite hundreds of residents saying they see no need for new housing.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

VW Turnbull has formally asked for consent from Stockton Council for the homes, which it says will bring 305 full time jobs in a five-year construction period and £2.9m spending in shops and services.

But its own data showed people were overwhelmingly against the plans after it sent about 730 leaflets to homes and businesses, and 554 people sent back questionnaires.

The results showed 87% of respondents strongly disagreed that there was a need for new housing, 82% strongly disagreed that a mix of two to six-bed-room houses and bungalows was appropriate for the area, and 89% strongly disagreed that the proposed layout was appropriate. In all cases, less than 10% agreed.

Planning consultancy Lichfields wrote in a “statement of community involvement” on Stockton Council’s planning portal: “Overall, the findings from the public consultation exercise carried out by the applicant show there is opposition to additional housing in the Eaglescliffe area, however this was centred around the above specific issues which can be addressed through the planning application.”