DEVELOPERS have been granted planning permission to build nearly 30 new houses on a former nursery in the west end of Darlington.

Despite a number of objections from nearby residents, Darlington Borough Council’s planning applications committee voted in favour of an application by Esh Group to build 27 houses at Woodburn Nursery, in Salutation Road.

The site lies next to West Cemetery – a registered park and garden - and is used as an operational nursery and base for the cemetery grounds maintenance, grave diggers and arboreal teams at the council.

The development will see greenhouses, polytunnels, offices and a former stable block at the site demolished to make way for the two-storey houses, as well as their associated garages and car parking spaces.

The application attracted a number of objections from nearby residents who believe the development is not in keeping with the surrounding area and will attract more cars to an already congested road.

A detailed objection letter was also submitted by Irene and Reginald Ord, of Woodburn Cottage - a Grade II listed property designed by architect George Gordon Hoskins which sits adjacent to the site’s proposed access point on Coniscliffe Road.

They said: “We agree that Darlington needs housing stock and good quality environments but we also strongly believe that this plan is socially, culturally, environmentally and economically flawed, therefore it is unsustainable.”

They also believed the former stable block - which is of historical importance but is not a listed building – should be retained or redeveloped.

Their thoughts were echoed by Hummersknott ward councillor, Charles Johnson, who said: “The owners of the Victorian waterworks (Tees Cottage Pumping Station) have spent tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of pounds future-proofing the building.

"Northumbrian Water didn't have to do that but they thought it was the right thing to do. I think there is a lead to be taken from that."

He added: " If this was Grand Designs there would be a rush to buy that and turn it into a useful dwelling."

However Geoff Woodcock, managing director at Esh Group, said the stable is supported by a badly damaged wall and would need considerable renovation work to make it useable.

He added: “It is too narrow a building – if this was in the middle of London, it might be attractive.

“You cannot turn it into a garage as it hasn’t got the depth or capacity to take vehicles.”

Planning officer Roy Merritt said: "It is unfortunate that the building has to go but it doesn't have a protected status."

Councillor Ian Galletley also raised concerns that if there was a repeat of the 2007 housing market crash, the proposed houses could be replaced with cheaper properties that are easier to sell, such as flats.

But Mr Merritt reassured members that any changes to the development would need new planning applications which could be discussed by councillors.