A meeting will be held next week to discuss changes to plans for Coniscliffe Road in Darlington.

The original plans were submitted in July 2023 in an attempt to promote the cafe culture on the street.

The scheme included the installation of trees, planters and bollards to create a greener street.

Changes have now been made following feedback that was received and concerns raised by stakeholders.

It is not yet clear exactly what changes have been made but a drop-in session has been arranged between 4pm and 6pm on March 26 at The Friends Community Hub.

The session will hope to address any questions or concerns any residents or business owners may have.

Chris Mains, Towns Fund Programme Manager, said: "The session will be attended by Towns Fund officers and will cover the proposed changes to the planning application.

"During the session, you will have the opportunity to discuss the revised scheme. ask questions and raise concerns.

"This engagement process will be focusing specifically on the public realm improvements in Coniscliffe Road.

"Any issues not relating to this scheme should be reported directly to Darlington Borough Council."

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Business owners raised concerns about the pedestrianisation of the road at the time.

Traders around the block on Northumberland Street said that closing off the road to motorists could put off customers who use it to loop back around trying to find parking.

Peter Robinson, owner of Thomas Watson Auctioneers which has stood on Northumberland Street since the 1840s, previously branded the plans "ridiculous".

"I think people will be dissuaded from using us," he said.

Currently, customers and suppliers to the business driving along Northumberland Street turn left up Grange Road, down Coniscliffe Road and quickly loop back around in the hope of finding a parking bay (route in red on the map below).

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But under the new plans, motorists would have to turn up Grange Road, go down Houndgate towards Feethams, onto the A167 dual carriageway, and back to Northumberland Street to complete the same move (route in blue on the map below).

The current scheme, before any changes, is expected to cost almost £1m with a bill of £940k, with £700,000 coming from the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

If you cannot attend the drop-in session or want to comment before April 2 you can email naomi.jenkins@darlington.gov.uk.