A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build a large complex for the over 55s in Cockerton has been rejected by Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee.

Residents of Newlands Road, who would overlook the complex, were united in their objection to two three storey buildings being built on derelict land off Woodland Road, next to the Cockerton Band and Institute club.

The council’s planning committee had previously deferred their decision on the proposal pending a site visit after hearing residents’ concerns.

These included that the buildings would be overbearing on nearby homes, create more traffic on an already congested road system and pose access problems for the emergency services.

Additional concerns were raised over the institutional design of the complex and the fact it would be within 12 metres of Grade II listed cottages in the village.

Alastair Willis, speaking on behalf of the developer, said that the apartments would provide much-needed housing for the elderly and those in need of care in Darlington.

He added that reducing the capacity would make the development unviable.

However, after hearing further objections from residents and discussing the proposal at a planning committee meeting today (Wednesday, December 3) Cllr Charles Johnson led the opposition to the plan.

He said: “I am quite tired of developers wanting to impose buildings on residents which are totally going to change their lives; I am going to move to reject it.”

The majority of the committee agreed and voted to refuse planning permission on the grounds that the siting, scale and design of the development contributed to it being unacceptably overbearing on residents living nearby.

Speaking after the meeting, Peter Ashmore, a Newlands Road resident for more than 30-years, said: “I am pleased that the committee have seen our arguments in light of the scale and density of the development.

“We are still keen to see the site developed in a reasonable and sympathetic way, not just for ourselves but also for the benefit the residents of Cockerton village and the local amenities.”

Mr Ashmore joked that residents had to become ‘planning experts’ themselves in order to effectively object to the application.

Cllr Stephen Harker, who represents the Pierremont ward, spoke up in support of the residents at the meeting and said afterwards that he was pleased with the committee’s decision.

He added: “The residents have always said over the years they would like to see some form of housing there; that is what Cockerton is about, it is a residential area.

“This isn’t about them not wanting anything at all, but they are looking for something appropriate.”