Plans for more than 1,000 new homes in Darlington revived

Two developers have asked for outline planning permission to build hundreds of homes for the controversial Coniscliffe Park in Darlington.

Gladman Developments wants to build up to 985 homes with land for a primary and early years school, sports pitches, a doctor's surgery and shop.

In a separate planning application, Taylor Wimpey want to build up to 535 homes on a nearby site.

Read more: Coniscliffe Park: Objections lodged over plans for 1,520 homes around Darlington

The schemes were originally submitted in 2017 and were to be considered by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee in June 2019.

But this was deferred on legal advice until the Darlington Local Plan, setting out planning priorities until 2036, was in place.

The local plan was recently passed by a 24-20 vote at a charged council meeting where it was promoted as "the best plan" by supporters but denounced as "dreadful" by opponents.

Now the Wimpey and Gladman plans have been brought back, with new planning statements and reports.

According to the statements, the developers have worked together to draw up a "masterplan".

Read more: Hold-up over application to build 1,000 Darlington homes is 'great news'

Gladman proposes to build up to 985 homes on a 48.5-hectare site off Staindrop Road, Darlington, costing £89.2m.

The firm says development on the arable fields would be "a logical extension to the western side of Darlington".

They suggest it will contribute £171.5m to the economy and deliver 769 construction jobs.

The proposed Coniscliffe Park developments. Picture: Northern Echo.

However objectors have written to the council expressing their concerns about the proposed development.

One objector wrote: "I feel that progression of this planning application would be very short-sighted of the local council and would highlight a damming issue of the council wishing to line their purse rather than putting the people of Darlington first."

Another said: "How much more green belt will you be taking away to meet your quota!!"

Read more: Chester-le-Street petrol station approved despite objections

Wimpey are proposing to build up to 535 detached, semi-detached and terraced homes on 28.3 hectares of land off Coniscliffe Road, Darlington.

They say this will help meet housing needs, including up to 107 affordable homes, with green areas and road improvements.

Objectors have raised issues of losing green space, an area of beauty and "a haven for wildlife", and that it would "totally destroy the enjoyment of the area".

They voiced concerns on roads and traffic congestion, pressure on education, transport, leisure and healthcare provision, along with issues with drainage, disruption, light, air and noise pollution, and questioning the need for more houses.

Read more: Durham councillor says opponents 'rip up green belt'

Some warned rare and protected species of wildlife would be disturbed and could be "wiped out" or "will all disappear with the extra footfall in the area" because of the plans.

One said: "This green open space is a place of peace and tranquility for many people so to build houses on this land would be devastating for many local residents."

Another wrote: "There are some people who live in the bungalows overlooking where the proposed dwellings are to be who have been in tears at the mere thought of losing their view."

And another said: "Do we really need more housing in this area? We won't have any countryside left at this rate.

"I anticipate there's going to be in excess of 6,000 people living there, it's absolute madness."

The public is being consulted on the planning applications. Comments are requested by Thursday, March 3 but can be registered and accepted after that date. More details are available via darlington.gov.uk/planning or by calling 01325 405656.

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