Bellway Homes disputes Durham County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the new housing estate at Hawthorn, which also includes a convenience store and green space.
Land near St Michael’s Rise in the village was identified for the new homes, which would include a mix of multi-room homes and bungalows.
But residents warned that further house building would negatively impact the village’s historic character and appearance.
In its appeal, the developer argues that several elements of the application have been “incorrectly assessed by the council”, including the sustainability of the site, heritage and landscape impacts.
“The social, economic and environmental benefits of this proposal clearly outweigh the limited adverse impacts which would result from the development and the proposal should be approved,” the statement added.
The government’s Planning Inspectorate will consider the appeal in due course.
“Hawthorn is unique in that it is an ancient medieval settlement and it is also the last of its kind in coastal County Durham, a village born out of agriculture rather than coal-mining, consisting of unique and very rare magnesian limestone grassland,” objectors said.
Yet, Easington MP Grahame Morris supported the proposal despite the significant opposition from locals and Durham County Council’s planning department.
A planning committee meeting in October 2025 was told that while the scheme would deliver “many significant benefits” and had been developed sensitively, there would be “some impact in introducing houses in an area where there currently aren’t any”.
However, councillors were scathing in their assessment of the proposal.
Councillor David Freeman, of Elvet, Gilesgate and Shincliffe ward, said: “I have rarely read a report that is so critical of an application, and there are numerous grounds to refuse the application.”
Planning chairwoman and Reform UK councillor Jill Campbell added: “Although we have to give significant weight to housing need, and there are benefits to this application, what strikes me is that the character of this location is very important and significant.
“The adverse impacts of the proposed development in terms of landscape harm demonstrably outweigh the benefits of this proposal.”