A new distributor road serving a huge housing development is due to be built through a Darlington woodland despite concerns. 

Fears have been raised about the future of Skerningham woodland in Darlington through which the new road could be built to serve the proposed Skerningham Garden Village development.

Campaigners and councillors on Darlington Borough Council have previously warned that the area, home to wildlife and protected species, should be protected.  

In a new update on the scheme, the developers said, “It has not been possible to find an appropriate option which avoids the woodland.”

That is despite a previous recommendation encouraging developers to “avoid existing wooded areas as much as possible”.

An updated version of the Skerningham Garden Village ‘comprehensive masterplan’ was released last week.An updated version of the Skerningham Garden Village ‘comprehensive masterplan’ was released last week. (Image: Skerningham Estates)

An updated version of the Skerningham Garden Village ‘comprehensive masterplan’ was released by the developers Banks Property and Skerningham Estates Ltd last week and includes an infrastructure phasing plan outlining details of the development and a community consultation process. 

The garden village is due to cover 487 hectares to the north of Darlington. It will adjoin the existing communities at Beaumont Hill, Whinfield and Great Burdon. Barmpton village and the East Coast Mainline are also located near the site. 

However, campaigners have questioned why councillors will not vote on the updated masterplan document and say key decisions should be considered by full council. Instead, cabinet members will discuss the latest updates at a meeting next Tuesday (December 3). 

The Design Code was adopted as a supplementary planning document by Darlington Council in September 2023 following several public consultations. 

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, previously said: “There is no need for cabinet or council sign-off. This is a developer-led document and is not our policy. However, we must assure ourselves it complies with the Local Plan and the Design Code. 

“I have taken the decision that that assurance should take place in cabinet, I do not think it’s appropriate for the council. It’s important to remember that it’s the correct way to do it. The Masterplan is not concluded at this time.”

The deputy leader of the council said the masterplan can receive the same level of scrutiny from the public when it is discussed by the cabinet, however, it does not hold the ability to make conclusive decisions. 

Concerns have also been raised about the speed of development including the building of the local ‘distributor road’ after residents said it should be completed earlier to relieve traffic congestion. Work on the road is outlined to be complete by phase four of the scheme, between 2036 and 2041.

Campaigners staged a protest against the development in September Campaigners staged a protest against the development in September (Image: CHRISTINE TURFORD)

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The updated masterplan also provides clarity on the future of the Darlington Northern Relief Road (DNRR), linking the A167 to the A1150.  The Tees Valley Combined Authority included the scheme as part of a major £250 million transport programme earlier this year. The developers said progress associated with the DNRR project will be “kept under review to ensure that the delivery of Skerningham would not prejudice the delivery of the DNRR and vice versa.” 

The updated masterplan is due to be discussed by councillors at next week’s council cabinet meeting. Banks and Skerningham Estates Ltd said there will be further opportunities to comment on the proposed development at the application stage(s) of the development.

A statement added: “The developers remain committed to working with the local community and council throughout the planning and construction process.”