SCORES of objections have been lodged in relation to plans to build up to 1520 homes, a school and sports pitches in Darlington.

Planning applications have now been submitted in relation to the controversial Coniscliffe Park, a potential development that has met with strong opposition since initial public consultations began in 2016.

Permission is currently being sought by Gladman Developers Ltd to erect up to 985 houses, a convenience store, GP surgery, primary school and sports pitches on agricultural land south of Staindrop Road and to the west of Baydale Beck.

Their development would be adjacent to another being planned by Taylor Wimpey that allows for a further 535 dwellings to be built towards the north of Coniscliffe Road.

Darlington Borough Council recently received an outline planning application in relation to the development, with documents submitted by Gladman including a 189-page consultation report and a travel plan detailing access requirements.

The application identifies the land as being within an area at risk of flooding, though Gladman state a suitable drainage system will be installed.

The papers also reflect the likelihood of protected and priority wildlife species being present on the site.

The council has received more than 40 individual objections in relation to the Gladman development, with the consultation papers documenting more.

Concerns raised by worried Darlington residents include the potential of a significant increase in traffic and a possible strain on infrastructure.

Other objectors raised the issue of the development being built on green belt land, with one saying: “The green space to the west of Baydale Beck will be lost, this open space contributes positive social and environmental benefits, improving health and wellbeing for local residents who enjoy the footpaths for walking, running, cycling and dog walking.

Another said: “The infrastructure for this development is wholly inadequate, I feel there are problems with traffic in the area already without compounding it.”

One objector questioned the need for the development, given the number of empty houses around Darlington.

Addressing DBC, she said: “There is a lot of empty housing stock already in existence.

“I notice that not all these properties have been sold, begging the question do we need any more development of middle to top end priced properties?"

“I also understand that the land which housed Blackwell Grange Golf Club is set aside to build houses on yet nothing has been developed.

“Why are you not forcing landlords with empty housing stock and developers with unsold new builds to accommodate families in need of housing if demand is so great?”

Coniscliffe Park will be discussed by Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee later in the year.