A PARISH council has called for plans for an abandoned reservoir to be replaced with a housing estate to be dropped.

Members of Sadberge Parish Council believe the former reservoir on the outskirts of the village, which has been unused by Northumbrian Water for many years, should instead be landscaped and used as a nature reserve.

In 2010 the reservoir made headlines after its 30ft walls were named as one of the best spots in the UK for daredevil BMX riders, after which Northumbrian Water tightened up its security.

The plans for the reservoir, which lies off Darlington Road, from Northumbrian Water are at the earliest possible stage and have not been submitted for planning permission.

As part of the initial consultation process representatives from Northumbrian Water and its architects met with members of the parish council for a site visit and to explain their vision for up to 34 homes on the land.

The water company says the reservoir is an eyesore and a target for vandals and anti-social behaviour and should be replaced with something more beneficial to the local community.

However, the parish council is against any housing development on the grounds that it lies outside the existing village envelope and is unsustainable.

Sadberge Parish Council chairman Lee Tate said: “Building houses on the old reservoir site would be contrary to both the Darlington Local Plan and the wishes of the local community, as expressed in the Sadberge Parish Plan and confirmed by the Parish Plan review in 2013.

“In 2006 Northumbrian Water obtained planning permission to demolish the reservoir and landscape the site. They should get on and do that.

“Sadberge Parish Council has been saying for many years that in its current state the reservoir is a hazard.”

Alastair Mackenzie, clerk to the parish council, added: “Northumbrian Water appears to be jumping on the ‘development free-for-all bandwagon’ that’s been created by Darlington Borough Council's inability to prove that it has identified housing needs over the next five years.”

The parish council has won support from Sadberge ward councillor Brian Jones, who said: ““I’m disappointed that Northumbrian Water has decided on this course of action.

“For many years they have ignored not only their planning permission to fill in and landscape the site, but have also ignored requests from myself, the parish council and residents to take measures to make the site safe.

“Despite their attempt at exploiting a loophole with regard to the Darlington Local Plan, the proposal should be judged on its lack of merit.

“Sadberge has no school, no shops and a part time bus service making this development unsustainable.”

A spokeswoman for Northumbrian Water said: “The Sadberge reservoir site is currently a liability and has been subject to trespass and anti-social behaviour.

“Northumbrian Water has a duty to bring the land on this site back to beneficial use to ensure safety and limit liability, and is exploring the possibility of selling the land with outline planning permission for residential development.

“We will consult with the relevant stakeholders and the wider community as plans progress for the proposed development which will create jobs in the area, offer some affordable housing and preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.”