Sir, - Is democracy worth a light in Darlington Borough?

A planning application was recently submitted for a large housing development in Middleton St George.

This is in a prominent position on one of the two main entry roads into the village. It is to go onto a partially derelict 'brownfield' industrial site and will dominate the entrance to the village.

Middleton St George Parish Council held a special meeting to discuss the application. After a long discussion suggestions were made and submitted to Darlington Borough planning department.

The main thrust of these was that:

l Such a development would over-extend the existing stretched local community services, especially the school, and it would be better if it were not to happen until the infrastructure was ready;

l If the development were to take place it should be done in such a way as to enhance the appearance of the village and be designed to encourage the new occupiers to become an integral part of the community;

l The inclusion of two, three-storey blocks of flats in the development was completely out of keeping with the existing village and, therefore, should not be allowed.

These points do not seem to be unreasonable and were made unanimously by representatives of about 3,500 people in the Middleton St George area.

Since then the developer has put forward an amended plan (satisfying certain planning matters), which ignores all the above comments. Despite this, it appears that Darlington planners are prepared to accept these plans.

Because of the parish council's concerns planning officer Mr Tom Wheeler, attended the parish council meeting on August 14. He first commented that, as existing developments in the village were not of a particularly high standard, there was no reason to require a higher quality of development with this application.

This attitude was, understandably, not welcomed. There was, however, no indication that there might be a further look at the proposals in order to work with the community to make a high quality addition to the village.

A good-looking, well-planned development would be welcomed by everyone, except perhaps Darlington Council planning department, which does not appear to think Middleton St George is worth the effort.

There was a firm impression given of a 'done-deal' concerning the development, regardless of what the villagers might prefer.

So, what price local democracy? Why should we bother?

JOHN WINRAM

Church Lane,

Middleton St George.

Wimpey woes

Sir, - I note with wry sympathy the experiences of the residents of Fairfield in Stokesley with Wimpey Homes (letters and reports D&S over recent weeks).

Let me first say that I appreciate the need for new homes, and that I understand from first-hand experience that building is of necessity noisy and dirty. But we have also suffered the irresponsible activities of this company in Great Ayton.

Despite owning large tracts of land, the local roads have been used as if they were part of the site. Wagons have been loaded and unloaded over the footpaths. Schoolchildrens' lives have been put at risk by wagons mounting pavements.

Many employees (including hospital staff) have to pay their employer for the privilege to daily park their cars at work.

Wimpey seem to think it is inappropriate for their employees to park on their own site, but better to inconvenience the elderly and disabled by using the limited village parking.

In contrast with the fine words on their web site about caring for the communities in which they work, young mothers with toddlers are abused in the street, local hard-pressed farmers are inconvenienced, hedgerows on their property are not maintained. I could go on.

It concerns me to see our elected representatives (including the 14 pint man!) participating in PR stunts (planting trees etc.) with company directors.

Coun Imeson queries the need to take action over the Fairfield problem. To the otherwise concerned and down-to-earth councillor, I would paraphrase the old saw "Give Wimpey Homes an inch and they will take half the village"!

Dr PAUL W SHELTON

The Waltons,

Great Ayton.