A plan to build homes has been approved despite objections that it could rob residents of parking spaces they have used for decades.
The scheme to build five homes on former allotments behind Front Street, Framwellgate Moor was discussed at the Durham County Council planning meeting.
Framwellgate Moor Parish Council objected, saying there was not enough car parking provided for existing Front Street residents.
Councillor Mark Wilkes, representing Framwellgate, said it was an “inappropriate development” with an unacceptable impact on residents.
He said: “Existing residents need the parking to the rear of their homes and have been using this area to park for decades, perhaps for more than half a century.
“Removing two spaces in an already difficult place to park will make it impossible for residents.”
He said the planning application contained “a ridiculous amount of unusable parking”, back-to-back spaces which would not be used by “any sane family”.
There were also objections about the new homes’ character and appearance, over-development, transport, safety, amenity and privacy. Two objectors spoke in the meeting.
Planning officers recommended the proposals for approval, finding no grounds for refusing them.
Councillor David Brown said: “I’ve never ever heard so many discussions on car parking.
“I’ve got to go with the recommendation of the officer.”
The plan was approved with a 6-3 vote.
