COUNCILLORS have paved the way for the controversial development of up to 100 new homes on farmland near a popular historic market town. Banks Property, part of the Banks Group whose interests include several mines across the North-East, had sought permission to build on the site north of Darlington Road on the outskirts of Barnard Castle. The proposals appeared to split public opinion, with 252 letters of objection submitted to Durham County Council, along with 142 backing the scheme, although doubts were cast on these by objectors. Concerns were also raised about the impact of the project on a recognised ‘Area of High Landscape Value’, the impact on traffic and whether the housing was needed in the area.
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OBJECTIONS: The banner put up by objectors signposting people to the website
CAMPAIGNERS who oppose plans by a housing developer to build up to 100 homes on the outskirts of Barnard Castle have launched a website to encourage more people to object to the scheme.
A flurry of support last month for Banks Property’s plans to build an estate on agricultural land adjacent to Castle Vale development, in Darlington Road, raised questions from some residents who noted many of the letters submitted to Durham County Council were identical in style and content.
Duncan Holness, project manager at Banks Property, admitted a “one click support” form on its website was used to gather support for the scheme. The letters were then forwarded to planning officers.