A COUNCIL has been warned it will have a “death on its hands” and lives will be “put in danger” after it granted planning permission for a number of developments totalling almost 1,000 homes.

Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee has approved the build of around 750 homes on nearby sites in Harrowgate Hill and Coatham Mundeville to the north of the town.

It also granted permission for a second near 100-home development in Hurworth, as well as a handful of houses and a new Co-op in Middleton St George.

Hurworth councillors Lorraine Tostevin and Joe Kelley, who both voted against the development in their ward, received passionate applause from campaigners as they raised issues about legal impacts of the application and safety concerns.

“If it has already been decided then why are wasting everybody’s time? There is a great number of people who do not want this,” said Cllr Tostevin.

In response, senior planning officer David Coates said: “If you take the view on this case, then it can be taken on other developments, it undermines the five year supply.

“We don’t want to be in a position we were in two years ago when we had no reason to refuse – we are now in a position to fight off more unacceptable development.”

Cllr Kelley added: “Hurworth is one of the most dangerous places to live as a pedestrian or a cyclist – it is vital that there is an easy way into Darlington for people.”

Addressing the safety concerns, Judith Aston, spokesperson for Hurworth Against Detrimental Development, said: “You will have a death on your hands and only you will be responsible for it.”

“There needs to be green space and village life – that is a huge attraction for Darlington.

“We have elderly, young, disabled people, people who want to downsize, we don’t need executive housing.”

The application was granted with a condition that affordable housing formed part of the new development, but Mr Coates admitted he couldn’t confirm the exact numbers.

The approval comes around 18 months on from planning permission being granted for a 100-home development on neighbouring land to the south of the new site, also off Roundhill Road.

Although Hurworth Parish Council had not officially objected to the second development, Cllr Tostevin said it was important to note they “didn’t support it either – they made no comment.”

Speaking after the meeting, Lewis Stokes, community relations manager with developer Banks, said: “After receiving a recommendation for approval from Darlington Borough Council’s planning officers for our Hurworth North proposals, we’re pleased that the members of its planning committee have been minded to approve them at their meeting today.

“This is a carefully developed scheme located in an area where we know there is demand for homes from people who want to stay or move here, and has been designed to bring a range of economic, employment, environmental, social and supply chain benefits to the local area.”

The approval of a further 750 homes to the north of Darlington was split into two separate applications for 380 houses on land off Burtree Lane in Harrowgate Hill, and 370 homes at Berrymead Farm off Durham Road in Coatham Mundeville.

Alan Macnab, representing Whessoe Parish Council, said he was appalled and disgusted by the decision.

“There are two medical practices that have 25,000 patients between them – that is about one GP per 1,666 patients.

“This development will make it worse – it will put people’s lives in danger because there will be more pressure on medical services.”

He also raised concerns about the impact of the proposed Darlington bypass, as well as landscaping and the attractive entrance to Darlington, adding: “What happened in Blackwell (tree cutting) will happen here.”

Mr Coates also admitted that Middleton St George had “perhaps” received more than its fair share of development, as permission was granted for a new shop and 10 new homes.

The committee heard concerns that the site, off Yarm Road and opposite Acorn Close, will result in increased congestion and safety concerns for children crossing the road.

Cllr Kelley also insisted that lorries should be given a separate loading bay rather than using the shop car park which parents and children would be using, describing it as “madness” and a “disaster waiting to happen”.

The shop is expected to open in time for Christmas.