Dozens of Sunniside residents have voiced opposition to housing plans for over 200 new homes, citing concerns about the loss of green space and the potential strain on local services.
Residents gathered today to express their opposition to proposals from Banks Property to build 210 new family homes on the 12.7-hectare site between the A6076 and Pennyfine Lane. The plans, which have not yet been submitted to the council, would include a 30% provision for affordable housing and biodiversity contributions, according to Banks Property.
Residents voice concerns over wildlife and traffic
Hilary McKenna, 78, of Hole Lane, said: “It is taking away pure agricultural land that has been used for recreational purposes, for horses, for dogs, and people. Really, that is the basis of it, taking away land, and because Banks own all the land, they will encroach and encroach.”
Chris McCarthy, 44, said: “My biggest concern is the wildlife; it is a haven for wildlife. There are deer and birds; we have got two types of owl, and loads of insects. It’s pure wildlife, it’s just lovely, it’s mostly about the wildlife. We moved here believing this to be a green belt.” He added: “The traffic is horrendous, I am up at five in the morning, and I go to the gym and coming that time it’s all the way backed up to Potters Bank.”
Infrastructure and safety worries
Ron McVicar, 81, said: “I am protesting against it. There is too much going on in the village for the people who are here. The roads are solid, and the surfaces will all be challenged. We are going to have to wait weeks to see a doctor or a dentist. The traffic through the village is serious anyway, and there are going to be hundreds more cars. We are just shocked. We are fairly recent here, but we wanted to come here for a lovely retirement, and we will be finishing up in a building site, and you know what comes next. Lots of noise and dirt for however long it takes.”
Michael Brown, 80, said: “I’m against the project because of overcrowding. Mainly about the facilities, doctors, and dentists, and traffic on Front Street is getting worse. And what concerns me is the entrance to the building project, it’s going to be on the main road right on the bend. There have been multiple accidents; it’s going to be downright dangerous.”
Councillors and political figures react
Liberal Democrat Whickham South and Sunniside councillor Jonathan Wallace added: “We are pleased at the turnout today. It shows there is a lot of public concern about these proposals. We will be fighting these proposals; we have got a few months for this battle.”
Reform UK councillors Alison Porritt, Michelle Merrin, and Mick Lamport of the wards of Lobley Hill and Bensham, Dunston, Teams, and Riverside also attended, highlighting their concerns about local infrastructure. Councillor Lamport said: “As far as Reform is concerned, it is the local infrastructure that is going to suffer. It is green belt, not grey belt and it shouldn’t be built on, it is that simple.”
Banks Property has held two consultation events at the community centre on Church Street in Marley Hill. It is expected the firm will submit an application later this year, and if approved, work could begin in 2028. Banks Property were approached for comment.
