Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Housing developer resubmits controversial 550-homes plan for green wedge land in Ingleby Barwick


Controversial plans have been resubmitted for 550 new homes in Ingleby Barwick - despite being rejected once by both Stockton Council and the Government.


Jersey-based Tiviot Way Investments want to build the development near Little Maltby Farm, on land adjacent to the free school site off Low Lane.


But Stockton Council’s planning committee unanimously rejected the first application for the scheme last year, citing highway, archaeological and green wedge concerns as the reasons.


The refusal was appealed by the developers, who argued the 550 homes would “boost significantly the supply of housing, including affordable housing provision, and contribute to achieving economic growth through investment and job creation”.


A three-day public hearing followed in July at Stockton Baptist Tabernacle where objectors expressed their concerns over the development.


Then in January the secretary of state for local government, Eric Pickles, ruled that permission should not be granted - disagreeing with the planning inspector’s own recommendation.


It is understood that Mr Pickles’ decision is being challenged in the High Court.


But today Stockton Council confirmed it has received a new application for the Little Maltby Farm site, which is currently pending consideration.


Jersey-based Tiviot Way Investments want to build the development at Little Maltby Farm, on land adjacent to the free school site off Low Lane. Jersey-based Tiviot Way Investments want to build the development at Little Maltby Farm, on land adjacent to the free school site off Low Lane.


The revised ‘Ingleby Manor’ plans propose a “quality residential development” of 550 two, three and four bedroom homes, with a local centre and open space and park areas.


The application says: “The Ingleby Manor development will provide much needed residential accommodation.


“The proposal adds to an already established area of housing and is located on land previously allocated as part of the Ingleby Barwick masterplan November 1977.”


Councillor Kevin Faulks, of the Ingleby Barwick Independent Society (IBIS), said the group would continue to object to the scheme over increased traffic and green wedge concerns.


“I wanted the free school but none of us wanted the housing to go with it, and I think most of the people in Ingleby Barwick would agree.


“It is disappointing this has been resubmitted after it’s been thrown out by Stockton Council and then the secretary of state.”


Stockton South Conservative MP, James Wharton, said: “Every application has to be judged on its merits, but there doesn’t appear to be much merit in building so many new houses on our green spaces to me.


“I hope the council will stand firm with residents and ensure local concerns are properly taken into account when this goes forward to the planning committee.”


No date has yet been set to consider the new application.



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