A COUNCILLOR has called for planning processes to include more consultation about ecological issues following a controversial decision to cut down dozens of trees for a housing development.

Cllr Chris McEwan told Darlington Borough Council's planning committee earlier this week that there should be "more proactive discussions" with residents and campaign groups.

The recommendation comes after the site of the former Blackwell Golf Course along Carmel Road South in Darlington, saw avenues of trees cut down last month to make way for a new 59-home development.

Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon confirmed that the removal of the trees was covered by planning permission, but that hasn't prevented a growing sense of anger among residents, with one claiming it looks like "a hurricane has hit" the town.

Speaking at the meeting ,Cllr McEwan said: "We need to have more proactive discussions with residents and interested groups.

"They might not agree fully, but engagement and consultation is a good thing."

Cllr McEwan previously confirmed that a mixture of new young trees, bushes and hedges will be planted in the area.

"Obviously, building houses on a former golf course – even with a low-density, high-quality development such as this – represents change for the area," he added.

"But the developer currently on site has a detailed landscaping plan that it must stick to.

" I do understand why the majority of the debate has been critical - no one celebrates when trees are cut down."

Earlier this week, council leader Bill Dixon, suggested claims that the council had “no regard for wildlife” was incorrect, and the borough had “probably has more tree preservation orders per head of population than anywhere else in the country”.

The comments came after campaigners from The Blackwell Residents Action Group and Friends of the Earth visited the site last weekend to stage a small protest.