Pipeline plan in Durham and Darlington approved by council

Northumbrian Water’s £155m scheme to upgrade ageing water pipes in County Durham and the Tees Valley received a boost on Wednesday when Darlington Borough Council supported plans for a new pipeline.

The council’s planning committee unanimously approved the proposal after hearing it would increase reliability, reduce leakage and provide high-quality drinking water for customers.

Phase two of the scheme between Gainford, County Durham, and Long Newton, Stockton, crosses the Darlington countryside. It will connect to the first part of the pipeline, approved by Durham County Council in 2022 and currently under construction at Dyance Beck, to the north east of Gainford and the south west of Summerhouse. 

The next phase of plans to improve Darlington’s water supply by building a new water pipeline has been approved. (Image: Northumbrian Water)

The application site extends to approximately 213.15 hectares and mainly comprises agricultural land, as well as passing over several roads and watercourses. The route travels in a western to eastern direction and is approximately 21km in length.

Ian Kettlwell, representing Northumbrian Water, told a meeting that construction will start later this year and is expected to be completed in 2028. 

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“This development will result in continued water supply to Darlington, Stockton, and the wider Tees Valley for years to come, as well as improving the resilience and longevity of the water supply system,” he said. “This will make a significant contribution in allowing Darlington to realise its growth ambitions as set out in the Local Plan.”

Councillors were told the new pipeline would replace the existing Victorian-era infrastructure necessary to support the growing population of the area. 

In approving the proposal, councillor Gerald Lee said: “The farmers in the local neighbourhood, which will be affected by this, are happy for it to go ahead. I have no problem in going with the officer’s recommendations.”