Hedley Planning Services are preparing a planning application, on behalf of Miller Homes, for the construction of 100 Dwellings, Community Park and Stride and additional residential parking on land at Cornforth Lane, Coxhoe.  Miller Homes would like to hear your views on the development of the site and specifics of the proposal to refine the design and inform the preparation of the planning application.

Miller Homes is one of the UK’s leading private homebuilders with a long-standing reputation for building high-quality, energy-efficient homes. Miller Homes has been consistently recognised as a five-star rated house builder by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), achieving the award 12 times in 13 years through their provision of exceptional customer service and experiences for home buyers.

Miller Homes don’t just build houses, they enhance locations with their developments by carefully identifying and responding to specific community needs.  That is why the proposal on land at Cornforth Lane includes a Community Park and Stride which will provide an opportunity for users to park and walk to Coxhoe Primary School and/or the other amenities within the village.  The Community Park and Stride can be used by all but has been primarily designed to relieve the school term-time drop off pressure on Cornforth Lane and provide additional parking for teachers.  The proposal also includes new additional residential parking for the properties along Cornforth Lane again to relieve pressure on the local highway network and provide a community benefit to existing residents.

Link to Online Survey

Site Location 

The site is west of Cornforth Road, sustainably located within walking distance of a range of services, including Coxhoe Primary School, Londis, Coxhoe Medical Practice and Coxhoe Park. Other nearby amenities include Coxhoe Village Hall, Co-op Food and several local businesses, cafes, and restaurants.

Proposed Development

The proposal seeks to develop the site for residential development consisting of a mix of 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom family houses, with the following benefits:

• 100 dwellings consisting of a range of 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom energy efficient homes.
• A Community Park and Stride.
• Additional residential parking for existing properties along Cornforth Lane.
• 15 of the 100 dwellings will be delivered as ‘Affordable Homes’, a Government definition for homes delivered for individuals with specific needs and/or key workers.
• 66% of homes will be M4(2)(Accessible and adaptable), providing accessible and adaptable houses which meet the changing needs of residents
• New Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) and Swales to manage surface water.
• New informal outdoor play space opportunities such as a trim trail.
• New site access and reconfiguration of local highway network.
• Durham County Council have a requirement for 10% of dwellings to be of a design and type that will increase the housing options of older people. As such, Miller Homes are working with the council to look at options for elderly housing which considers a multi-level setting. This will support social interaction and engagement, allowing residents more opportunities to interact with neighbours, foster a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.

Landscaping, Ecology and Drainage

Miller Homes have engaged a professional consultant team to comprehensively assess the Site and identify the most beneficial development layout for the local community and environment.  Structural planting will be introduced along the northern, western and southern site boundaries to create a strong settlement edge to the village and a transition zone to the existing Stray Aid Centre.   The structural planting serves more than a visual purpose however with a new landscape-led acoustic barrier along the southern boundary of the Site to reduce the noise from the A1(M) and improve conditions for future and existing residents.

The local environment will be protected and enhanced through the introduction of new habitats.  Existing vegetation on site will be retained, and in places, translocated to create the structural landscaping and deliver the proposed community benefits.  A tree lined street will create an attractive and ecological diverse entrance to the Site and guide the local community to the Community Park and Stride.

The site is located in an area at the lowest risk of flooding.  Nevertheless, Miller Homes recognise the importance of managing surface water and as such the proposal include a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System) basin and swales throughout the development to capture any surface water from the built development.

Your views are important and will continue to be valuable as the planning application progresses.

We would like to hear your feedback at our Public Consultation Event held on 14th August at Coxhoe Village Hall, DH6 4DB between 15:00-19:00.

Consultation Boards

Please see the survey link below to provide your response to the proposals. The feedback will be collated and shared with the team who will then address matters accordingly.

Link to Online Survey

We respectfully request that feedback be returned by 25 August 2024.

Alternatively, please provide feedback by –

Email: Rachel@hedleyplanning.co.uk
Post: Hedley Planning Services Unit 3, Hexham Enterprise Hub, Burn Lane, Hexham, NE46 3HY

The results of the survey will be used in a Statement of Community Involvement and submitted as part of a planning application. The results will remain anonymous and no personal data other than postcodes will be stored in line with GDPR. Hedley Planning Services Limited will not pass any personal data on to third parties.