Darlington Borough Council has approved plans for two bungalows near The Spinney in Middleton St George, after their foundations were built in the wrong position.
The properties had originally received planning permission in 2019, with construction of the foundations starting that summer. However, they were built in different spots than the approved plans specified, and both sets of foundations had to be repositioned by less than five metres.
Local objections raised
Six objections were lodged against the revised plans, with residents expressing concerns over increased traffic, road safety, parking, access and disruption during the construction period.
Middleton St George Parish Council also objected, citing worries about traffic levels and the loss of open land separating Middleton St George and Oak Tree. The council argued the land forms part of a protected green gap between the two communities, where new development is ordinarily restricted.
Officers recommend approval
Planning officers, however, pointed out that permission for two homes had already been granted and construction had commenced. They concluded that repositioning the homes by a small distance would not cause sufficient harm to warrant refusing the application.
Both properties will benefit from slightly larger gardens as a result of the amendments.
