A DEVELOPER’S plans to demolish a bungalow and replace it with four new homes have been thrown out by planning chiefs.

Crammant Homes proposed to knock down the “modest sized detached bungalow” in Albert Road West, Heaton, and put up four-three story homes in its place.

Russell Woods of agents Good and Tillotson told the committee the homes were designed to meet the housing needs in the area and compliment the local architecure. He addded they would also contribute to the borough’s need for more housing.

But ward councillor Bob Allen, who chose to forego his committee vote to speak against the plans, said: “It’s completely out of character with the surrounding properties, is a serious over-development of the site and is likely to cause traffic problems, increasing the risk of an accident.”

Resident Gerrard Mulligan said “the effort to squeeze four houses into what’s clearly a two-plot site is causing significant problems.”