PLANS to install shipping containers on the banks of the River Skerne will be put before councillors for the first time next week.

Developers are asking for permission to erect 12 shipping containers close to the former TK Maxx building on Crown Street, to form part of a leisure development expected to house eateries and other businesses.

The Northern Echo:

Planning documents submitted to Darlington Borough Council recommend the proposals for approval and say: “The creation of a retail offer on the river frontage will encourage the public to appreciate the riverside setting more than is possible at the present time and will, in association with the proposed changes of use in the adjacent old TK Maxx building, bring community use to the locality and make good use of land currently underused.”

However, the documents also acknowledge objections received as part of a consultation process.

Some people believe that a resulting loss of light to properties on nearby Stonegate from the containers would damage existing businesses and harm the character of the area while concerns have been raised over the potential of an increased flood risk in the area.

Objections have also been lodged by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), which says the containers – which would be in full view from Darlington’s ring road – would give a poor first impression to visitors and that the development would be "visually intrusive".

The planning papers say the visual impact of the shipping containers should be regarded in the context of “the somewhat monolithic blocks of buildings on the town side of the river.”

The document goes on to say that possible adverse impacts on businesses and surroundings would be taken into account at the point when more detailed planning applications are submitted, adding: “The creation of a retail offer on the river frontage will encourage the public to appreciate the riverside setting in a similar manner as is intended with the new riverside park and in association with the change of use of the old TK Maxx building will improve the setting and appearance of an area which is currently underused and not particularly attractive."

  • The plans will be discussed at Darlington’s town hall on Wednesday, July 26.