Controversial plans to build a huge garden village in Darlington are being scrutinised by the public. 

Up to 4,500 houses and facilities such as a GP surgery, schools and shops could be built at the Skerningham Garden Village by 2036.

The proposed multi-million pound development has received a mixed response, however. Hundreds of locals have joined a vociferous campaign against the plans and have raised concerns over protecting the woodland and the road network. 

A draft of the masterplan shows how a distributor road could be built through the Skerningham Woodland area, despite previous assurances from the former Conservative-led Darlington Council that it was saved from development. 

The site is bordered by the Skerne River and Barmpton Village to the north, the A167 to the west, the A66 to the south and agricultural land to the east. 

The Northern Echo: Skerningham Woodland Skerningham Woodland (Image: Grecko Indie Media)

A decision by Darlington Golf Club to remain in its current location earlier this year meant an alternative mapping of the site was preferred.

The Skerningham estate has also been identified by Darlington FC as a potential location for its proposed new stadium complex, though the plans are still at an early stage, and are not yet included in the masterplan. 

The draft plan outlines how construction of the huge estate will be split into four phases, spanning from 2023 to 2050. Areas to the west of the East Coast Mainline near Beaumont Hill and near Barmpton Lane have been identified as the first places to receive 450 homes each. 

The developer Skerningham Estates says it will create a “liveable and sustainable community, designed around prioritising residents’ health, well-being and overall quality of life”.

The majority of new homes will be built within a 20 minute round trip walking distance from a centrally located neighbourhood centre, owing to the concept of 20 minute neighbourhoods. 

The Northern Echo: Protesters at the Skerningham Woodland Protesters at the Skerningham Woodland (Image: The Northern Echo)

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Yet officials say the masterplan is not set in stone and could change following public feedback and also throughout the construction phase. 

Members of the public are invited to comment on the draft plan before November 19. 

Consultation sessions are being held at the Dolphin Centre on Thursday, November 2 (noon to 4pm) and at ASDA, Whinbush Way, November 6 (1pm to 5pm), and November 7 (9am to 1pm).