A nature reserve could be extended as part of a plan to build more than 50 new homes.

Crowtrees Local Nature Reserve, in Coxhoe, near Durham, would be expanded under the scheme to construct 55 dwellings on land off the village’s Prospect Place, near Commercial Road East.

Developer The Hellens Group would retain ownership of land behind the estate and turn it into a protected wildlife corridor.

The firm has asked Durham County Council for planning permission for the residential project, submitting an outline application.

Of the 55 homes, eight would be two-bedroom “affordable” bungalows, 14 would be two- or three-bedroom “affordable” semi-detached houses, 26 would be two- or-three-bedroom terraced or semi-detached houses and seven would be three- or four-bedroom detached houses.

There would be two open spaces within the residential development, including a “village green” the firm says would be the focal point for the new estate.

Public consultation on the proposals has begun and runs until Wednesday, April 22. For further details or to comment, visit durham.gov.uk/planning, using the reference DM/15/00793/OUT.

MWE Architects say the scheme would protect the status of the nature reserve and was designed to meet the aspirations of the council, developer and Coxhoe residents.

However, some residents have objected to the plans, saying the area has already had a lot of new houses built recently.

Plans from The Hellens Group to build 103 homes on the site were withdrawn shortly before they were due to be considered by a council planning committee last December, the authority’s planning team having recommended councillors refuse planning permission.

A committee is expected to consider the new application within the next few months.

Source: Durham Advertiser