Government plans to open a new Treasury hub in Darlington have come under fire after saying just 14 car parking spaces will be provided. 

The concerns were raised at Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee meeting during a discussion about the proposal for the new five-storey building on Brunswick Street. 

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Lorraine Tostevin described it “a mistake” that not more spaces will be provided. 

“It seems ironic it’s being built on a former car park and there’s not much car parking,” said Cllr Tostevin. “I think it’s a mistake not to have further car parking on the site.”

Responding to the comments, the council’s planning officer said visitors could use sites elsewhere in the town including East Street and the forthcoming new car park at Darlington Railway Station.

David Coates, planning officer, said: “It’s been designed specifically to minimise vehicle movements to and from the site bearing in mind it’s a sustainable location near bus stops and the railway station. 

“It’s designed to deter people from using cars to access it. If there are no parking spaces it reduces the possibility. People often make alternative arrangements, they get on the bus and share lifts."

Concerns were also raised about visitors parking outside residential homes but the council ruled out introducing a permit system for now. 

“Until the problem happens we wouldn’t at this stage consider resident parking in that area,” added Mr Coates. “That’s not to say we won’t but not right now.” 

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The five-storey building - on the site of a former car park next to the Darlington East End club and opposite St Cuthbert's church -  will form part of a government campus of three buildings, including Feethams House and Bishopsgate House.

The aim is to have around 700 roles based in Darlington across HM Treasury, Department for Business, Housing, and Culture among others. 

Construction is set to begin later this year and be completed in early 2027.