Campaigners question why councillors will not vote on new Darlington garden village masterplan
Campaigners have questioned why councillors will not vote on a new Darlington garden village masterplan.
Up to 1,650 houses and facilities such as a GP surgery and schools could be built at the Skerningham Garden Village, to the north of Darlington, by 2036, with a further 4,500 homes planned on the site in the future. The Skerningham Masterplan document includes an infrastructure phasing plan outlining details of the development and a community consultation process.
Hundreds of residents continue to raise concerns as part of a community campaign, calling on the council to protect nearby woodland and wildlife. They say key decisions on the plans should be delegated to the council. A first proposal for up to 450 homes was submitted in August and included plans for a new retail store and pub. The Skerningham Garden Village will adjoin existing communities at Beaumont Hill, Whinfield, and Great Burdon. Barmpton Village is also located to the north east of the site.
Alan Macnab, a Darlington resident, said: "The Skerningham development will profoundly affect the lives and well-being of residents in north and north east Darlington and residents who live in the Skerningham and Ketton countryside who must be satisfied that their views and concerns have been respected and taken into consideration."
Mr Macnab joined others in asking why the Skerningham development will be decided by delegated officers and not full council members. However, Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said the nature of the document is not designed for council approval.
At a full council meeting, Cllr McEwan 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. The developer Skerningham Estates says it will create a "liveable and sustainable community, designed around prioritising residents' health, well-being and overall quality of life."
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