Plans for 700 homes in Wynyard withdrawn after objections

Cameron Hall and Jomast Developments proposed the outline scheme for up to 700 homes with a community centre, care and medical facilities, open space and golf course improvements on the upmarket Teesside estate back in February 2023. It has since drawn 736 objections on Stockton Council’s planning portal, with no comments in support, as objectors vowed to protect their “environmental Mona Lisa”.

The plans have been under consideration by the council for almost three years. This week, a letter from the council’s planning services manager Simon Grundy appeared on the portal, saying: “Thank you for your communication concerning the above application.

“I have noted your request to withdraw the application and will take no further action in the matter. I have amended my records accordingly.”

The proposed housing sparked a significant public outcry with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen branding the scheme “ridiculous” and saying it should be refused as it was “supported by less than minimal information” and it was located in a green wedge. More than 200 residents came to a public meeting where one speaker Tony Maxwell said “we have the right to say no” to the “shoddy” plan and another, Robin Woolley, spoke of possible crowdfunding for a potential legal fight.

The developers said the application had been “very carefully considered” and marked the largest project since the village was founded. A spokesman said at the time: “We are aiming to enhance the facilities within Wynyard Village for current residents by delivering more high-quality amenities, as well as new homes focusing on a low-density approach with beautiful landscaping and greenspace in keeping with the rest of the estate.

“We are also aiming to deliver a significant amount of publicly accessible open space for the enjoyment of residents, improving on the current areas which have limited or no public access. Developing Wynyard estate in a considerate and measured way is our absolute priority and it is our goal that our aspirations for new amenities for the village align with those of the residents.”

However objectors described the plans as overdevelopment and “creeping urban sprawl” which would destroy a community, turn a tranquil village into a “massive brick jungle” and cause traffic chaos. They raised issues including destruction of woodland and wildlife habitats, loss of green space, increased traffic, “congestion and gridlock”, parking, noise, air pollution, public transport, golf course disruption, crime and anti-social behaviour, loss of privacy, property values, safety and flooding.

One said: “Wynyard, as we were sold, and I am sure in the original developers’ visions, is becoming a sprawling collection of properties with no soul or character. People have been sold down the river.” Another commented: “The proposed changes will finally demolish what woodland the village has remaining which will be utterly devastating for the vast array of wildlife living there.”

The developers said they took residents’ concerns very seriously and more detailed plans would “evolve” in consultation with stakeholders as people would get an opportunity to share their views.