CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build an “executive development” on a historic parkland estate have been scrutinised ahead of formal planning applications being prepared.

Fifty acres of land covering parts the former Blackwell Grange golf course, in Darlington, was first earmarked for housing in 2015, with concerned action groups formed in the wake of the plans being made public two years ago.

Darlington Borough Council responded to criticism that historical features would be lost if cottage mews-style homes or luxury retirement apartments were built in the area.

The authority stated that Blackwell has been selected for development over brownfield sites or other green spaces due to its suitable as a setting for executive housing.

However, during a special place scrutiny committee held in Darlington’s Town Hall this week, councillors heard that Historic England had been made aware of the would=be estate.

Addressing the council committee, Blackwell resident, Hilary Rowley, said: “I’m quite passionate about preserving the heritage of this site and I have no regrets about contacting Heritage England.

“The council did not talk to Heritage England to have the land listed so I took it upon myself to do that.

“The land wasn’t listed as a site of national importance, but it was listed as a site of local importance, alongside the Grade II listed Blackwell Grange.

“The development would be the curtilage of that building and we need to preserve it.”

The former golf course could become the site of 23 executive homes on land that is home to more than 50 features of historical importance.

These include a fishpond dating back to the 1700s, a Grade II listed wall and a lime avenue thought to date from 1790.

Consultation has been carried out among Blackwell residents and place scrutiny committee chair, Councillor Bob Carson, commented that he remembers “the strength of feeling” over the proposals following a site visit to the ex-golf course in 2015.

A council document prepared for the meeting stated: “Following local residents’ comments for the Council’s proposals for high quality residential development on the sites, a brief has been prepared to offer guidance to prospective purchasers of the site and to influence decisions on any future planning applications.”

Sale of the land is expected to go to Darlington Borough Council's October cabinet meeting before planning applications are submitted.