PROPOSALS to build on historic parkland will be called in for further scrutiny, according to a veteran councillor.

Heather Scott, leader of Darlington’s Conservative Party, intends to call in reports concerning the development of an area around Blackwell and Blackwell Grange.

As part of an on-going plan to build more than 9,000 new homes in the town, sites around Blackwell and Blackwell Grange have been earmarked for a development that could include numerous high-quality homes and up to 98 retirement apartments.

Despite fierce objection, councillors agreed to include the area in Darlington Borough Council’s ambitious housing plan at a cabinet meeting last week.

The meeting saw Cllr Scott question the need for more retirement apartments in the West End of Darlington, saying she was concerned the area could become flooded with such developments.

She has now confirmed she will be calling reports in for further scrutiny, saying she did not agree with figures as the conflicted with consultations she had undertaken in her role as ward councillor.

She said: “I’m calling it in because we’re challenging the figures included in the report, particularly those that relate to apartments.

“We have accepted that some housing has to be put on the land and it’s sensible to have some private housing if we want to attract businesses.

“We will be challenging the apartments and the need for them in this area.”

Cllr Scott also disagrees with statements made by Cllr Bob Carson who told the cabinet meeting that the development would open up previously private land to the public and provide further green space.

She said the area around Blackwell had been used by respectful dog walkers for many years.