Residents' groups calls for wildlife haven to be protected

3:19pm Monday 15th March 2010

By Paul Cook

RESIDENTS have spoken out against a proposed housing development on what they claim was once a "wildlife haven".

A public meeting was held in response to plans being drawn up to build a block of apartments on land adjacent to the Cocker Beck, in the North Road area of Darlington.

The application is for seven one-bedroomed apartments and a studio flat in place of a storage unit in Pendower Street. The brownfield site was previously garages.

However, residents who are opposed to the plans have said the site was previously a garden area with trees and bushes which attracted wildlife.

Shirley King, one of the residents, said: "Residents have expressed anger at yet another proposed development of flats within the Northgate Conservation Area, along the banks of Cocker Beck which threatens our heritage, environment and quality of life.

"Letters of protest will be going from the Northgate Partnership and Westbrook Residents Association.

"Other protest letters are on file at the town hall and give examples of residents' concerns.

"When I was a teenager, this area was a beautiful garden haven for wildlife with trees and bushes."

In a letter to the planning department, Ms King said the application should be turned down because of crime and anti-social issues. She said there should be more family homes and fewer flats.

She has raised 19 separate points in her letter, including traffic, anti-social behaviour, privacy and flooding issues.

Yvonne Richardson, who has also written to the council, has raised a number of similar points.

In her letter, she added: "As far as I am aware the site is within the Northgate Conservation Area but I could not find any reference to consideration of this within the plans.

"This area is important to the town because of its historical association with the railway sand the wonderful architectural quality of the Victorian houses of Wetbrook Villas and deserves protection."

An arboriculturalist's report and flood impact assessment have been submitted with the plans. It is proposed that a tree would be removed.

The planning application said: "The proposed development site is within the built-up area of Darlington with the utility services available, has good local amenities and facilities and has access to public transport services. The redevelopment, taking into account the above factors, is eminently sustainable."