CAMPAIGNERS are rallying hundreds of residents in rural communities to oppose plans to build a bypass to the A1(M) that could follow a route through their villages.

An emergency meeting was called by villagers living on the outskirts of Darlington after proposals were revealed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to connect the A66 to the motorway via a bypass around the north-eastern edge of town.

The Northern Echo: Two proposed new routes for a Darlington bypass connecting the A66 to the A1(M). Picture: TVCA

Two proposed new routes for a Darlington bypass connecting the A66 to the A1(M). Picture: TVCA

Blueprints for two potential routes have been outlined by the authority as part of its ambitions to improve transport links across the region with a Darlington bypass, a new crossing over the River Tees and extra lanes added to sections of the A66.

However, the plans - which are subject to Government funding - have already attracted criticism from those living in the communities that would border the potential bypass designed to divert HGVs away from built-up neighbourhoods in Darlington.

More than 300 people have joined the No to the Darlington Northern Link Road campaign, with dozens of residents attending a meeting called in the wake of the plans being unveiled.

Mel Wilson, chair of the campaign group in based in Brafferton, said: “The initial reaction when we found out about these plans through an article in The Northern Echo was just complete shock.

“It was the first we knew of it because we hadn’t been consulted whatsoever even though the bypass will go through part of community and no landowners knew anything about it.

“There’s a lot of anger and it’s very upsetting to think that it’ll have this effect not only in Brafferton, but in other villages on both bypass routes.

“We do not believe that it’s going to alleviate traffic problems and we will oppose the plans as they are, but we are open to communication with the TCVA and I think it’s very important to do that.”

Two routes are being developed as part of a designs masterminded by the TVCA and Highways England in a bid to support the creation of 25,000 new jobs and 23,000 new homes within the next decade.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen launched the plans one week ago to outline routes A and B of the Darlington bypass that would both lead from the A66 roundabout with the A1150 at Little Burdon to junction 59 on the A1(M).

Route A, which affects Brafferton, and route B, which affects Barmpton village, Beaumont Hill and Coatham Mundeville would bypass the A1150 Whinfield Road and the A167 that currently link the two major highways.

Residents have also criticised a planning application submitted to Darlington Borough Council to build 380 houses on a site at Harrowgate Village – between Burtree Lane and Whessoe Road – with campaigners claiming that traffic removed by a bypass would only be replaced by the new estate.

However, TVCA leaders have stated the plans merely mark the start of shaping the would-be developments across the North-East transport network.

Councillor Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington Borough Council and chairman of TVCA Transport Committee, said: “Last week we unveiled some transformational plans for the Tees Valley road network, this announcement included a possible new road around Darlington linking the A66 to the A1(M) at junction 59.

“A new road link would improve connections between the A1(M) and Teesport, which in turn will attract global investment and create jobs.

“It would also relieve local roads that are carrying over 18,000 vehicles a day through residential areas.

“We are at the very early stages of feasibility and have identified a couple of routes that we are seeking views on.

“The Combined Authority held a number of public engagement events last week across the Tees Valley, and we are meeting with some local residents to discuss and gather their views.

“This is the start of an ongoing process to ensure we understand all of the issues and perspectives.”

The TVCA – which hopes to acquire Government funding for the new roads in spring 2018 – has hosted four public consultation sessions in Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar.