THIS week's announcement of the development plans for land including the site of the former Darchem chemical works on the north-west fringe of Darlington was long-awaited.
The site, on a key approach to the town, has lain in various states of dereliction for the best part of a decade, a sad reminder of the town's industrial past. The unveiling of definite plans for the land hopefully brings to a close that, at times, painful transition from a town dependent on heavy industry to one with a more balanced portfolio of employers.
The scheme is at first examination exciting. The idea of a new park of the size envisaged would correct an imbalance in the provision of public open space in the town. At present, the west and north-western parts of Darlington have very little parkland.
The mental hospital, too, would be a great asset. Mental health facilities at the Memorial hospital have long been a cause for concern.
But questions remain, principally about traffic and schooling. An additional 500-600 houses which underpin the commercial viability of the project for developers Bussey and Armstrong will mean more traffic on the already very busy West Auckland Road/Woodland Road/Cockerton Green corridor. The cross-town route to Faverdale, which would solve the potential problem, is not likely to be completed for the best part of 20 years. Could the existing road network cope?
School places can be created and certainly at primary level that would appear essential. Ironically, work is nearing completion on physical alterations to the main secondary school in the area - Branksome - to reduce its capacity.
It is to be hoped solutions can be found to these problems, for the scheme certainly has vision and is a good balance of public and private facilities
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