Setback for objectors over plan to build flats near club

More than 40 residents in Cockerton raised fears over plans to redevelop a large area behind Cockerton Club saying it would lead to more traffic in Woodland Road.

Residents of nearby Newlands Road said the flats would overlook their homes and gardens.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the application, but officers have recommended approval.

Maro Developments hopes to build the 32 two or three- storey flats off Woodland Road, on the site of a former petrol station and a former steam cleaning business.

Developers hope to demolish the car wash facilities, clear the petrol station area and build three blocks of flats.

But residents said there would be an increase in noise because of the number of flats.

One said: "Cockerton's highways would be much more busy and if these flats were to be erected there would be an increase in noise due to cars and people."

Others were concerned about the flats ruining the character of neighbouring listed buildings. The site is next to the boundary of the Cockerton Conservation Area.

Residents have been increasingly concerned about the increase in traffic in the Cockerton area due to the West Park development at Faverdale.

The Cockerton Area Action Group has carried out traffic surveys along West Auckland Road. It believes the road will not be able to cope with extra traffic from the 700 homes due to be built at West Park, or the further developments planned in the area.

Homes are also planned for Cockerton on the site of Alderman Leach School, which campaigners believe would also increase traffic.

One resident said: "All these new developments will make the traffic problem worse, leading to an increase in pollution and fumes from Woodland Road and West Auckland Road, and also to increased noise."

But last month Tony Cooper, of West Park developers Bussey and Armstrong, said road improvements would ease the traffic problem in West Auckland Road.