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COUNTY DURHAM Area Developments - Areas and Subjects NOT covered on the Sunderland & Durham Forum

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#1 · (Edited)
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USING THIS COMMUNAL AREA OF THE NORTH EAST ENGLAND SUB-FORUM . . .


Recently, a thread has been set up in this 'communal area' of the forum, called "Northumberland Area Developments - Areas NOT covered on the Newcastle Forum"

That thread covers the areas in the 'extreme-West' and 'extreme-North' of the County of Northumberland.

Those areas have 'urban-development' issues, like any other area, but they are either not actually covered by the Newcastle Metro Area Forum (they are outwith the remit of that forum) or they are simply not easily covered on there, because they are not 'identifiable' with the Metropolitan Area.

I feel that there may well be a similar situation in certain areas of County Durham, where there are small developments and relevant issues for discussion, that do not readily fall to be covered by the Sunderland and Durham forum.

If so . . . they can be covered, and discussed, in this thread.

.
 
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#37 ·
Chester-le-Street news, --from the Northern Echo, --


Developers given more time
5:22pm Thursday 27th January 2011

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DEVELOPERS behind a big new estate that residents fear will dwarf their village have been given more time to complete highway improvements.

One of the last acts of Chester-le-Street District Council before its demise almost two years ago was to approve Persimmon Homes' plan to build 248 homes on farmland at Newfield, near Pelton.

The development, which had been in the pipeline in various forms for some time, was opposed by the Newfield Pelton Action Group for being out of scale with the existing village, the strain it will put on local facilities and the impact on the road network.

Among the conditions of permission were that the company had to build a roundabout on the A693 Stanley to Chester-le-Street road and a link path to the nearby C2C Sustrans cycle route.

Planners said the work had to be done by the time the 20th home in the development was completed and occupied.

Durfham County Council, successor to the defunct district, has backed a request from the firm to defer the requirement until the 40th home has owners living in it.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/chesterlestreet/8818051.Developers_given_more_time/
 
#38 ·
Consett news, --from the Northern Echo, --



Award for farm shop
4:10pm Wednesday 2nd February 2011

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A FARM shop in north Durham has won a national award.

Knitsley Farm Shop, near Consett, has been voted Best Farm Retail Newcomer in the UK by a panel of judges from the Farm and Rural Markets Association.

The farm shop was opened in November 2008 by Edward and Rachael Jewson, who converted redundant farm buildings to house the farm shop, butchery and cafe.

Award judge Nigel Chandler said: "Everything about Knitsley Farm Shop and Cafe speaks of quality from the beautifully converted buildings to the impressive array of local foods on offer, to the enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff.

"In a very short time Edward and Rachael have produced an exemplary business model
Read more, http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/consett/8828370.Award_for_farm_shop/
 
#39 ·
Darlington news, ----this from the Northern Echo, --



LATEST DARLINGTON NEWS Spring start on Corus site
6:12pm Tuesday 8th February 2011

Print Email Share Comments(0) By David Roberts »
Chief Reporter (Darlington)


WORK on a major development which could transform an area of Darlington is to start in a few months.

The developer behind the 250-home plan for the derelict former Corus site, in Whessoe Road, hopes to begin building work in May, with people moving into the houses by the end of the year.

A local councillor has welcomed the scheme, but hopes local people will be involved in deciding what community facilities will be available.

Outline planning permission was given to St Modwen Properties' plan in December 2009. Work has started to prepare the land, which has been empty since the Corus site closed in 2007.

Stephen Prosser, St Modwen's North-East regional director, said: "What people will recognise as building houses should start in May. That should lead to houses being delivered during the later part of this year.

"It's in a part of town that has always needed some good quality family housing."

The firm has entered into a partnership with housebuilder Persimmon which will develop the land.

The development, which is to include a mixture of two, three and four-bedroomed family homes and one and two-bedroomed apartments, will also contain ten per cent housing classed as affordable.

As well as the houses, the outline permission also contains plans for two children's play areas and public art.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/8840209.Spring_start_on_Corus_site/
 
#40 ·
This from the BBC Wear news, ----



UK Coal opencast mine plan for County Durham rejectedContinue reading the main story

Plans to develop an opencast mine in County Durham's countryside have been rejected by councillors following an "overwhelming" campaign of opposition.

Planners had recommended approval of the UK Coal proposal for a site between Dipton and Leadgate.

But at a meeting on Tuesday opponents presented Durham county councillors with a petition signed by 3,000 people.

A representative from UK Coal said the firm would "consider the decision". It still has the right to appeal.

The villagers' campaign included a petition, backing from the past and present local MP and support from their local councillors.
Read more, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wear-12478807
 
#42 ·
Peterlee and area news, --


Homes to be improved
5:21pm Thursday 17th February 2011

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MORE than 500 homes are to be given new bathrooms, kitchens and windows in a £15m improvement programme, it was announced today.

Work will start in the summer, subject to planning approval, on much-needed improvements to 300 homes in Horden, almost 150 homes in Blackhall and another 100 in Easington Colliery.

Housing association Accent Foundation said it plans to replace existing pre-fabricated extensions in Horden with new brick-built version.

Across all three areas, other improvements will be carried out including fitting new bathrooms, kitchens, windows, doors and gas central heating.

Work on each home is expected to take 12 weeks to complete and residents will be moved into temporary homes while the work is carried out
Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/peterlee/8861165.Homes_to_be_improved/
 
#43 ·
Some Consett news, -- this from the BBC Wear,--


County Durham's Consett Academy sponsor announcedContinue reading the main story

A further education college is to sponsor a new academy in County Durham.

Consett Academy will replace Moorside Community Technology College and Consett Community Sports College.

New Durham College is to be the lead sponsor, with Durham County Council as the co-sponsor, subject to the approval of the council's cabinet.

The £20.7m project, on a site in Belle Vue, had faced opposition from some residents, but it is now hoped that it will open in 2012.

It had been set to cost £31.7m, but government spending cuts enforced the reduction.
Read more, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wear-12644824
 
#44 ·
Some Weardale news, ---this from the Northern Echo, --


Eco-village announcements expected soon
6:14pm Monday 14th March 2011

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OWNERS of a former cement works set to become a ground-breaking eco-village hope to make another announcement about a new business wanting to the move to the site soon.

Yesterday’s revelation that Cluff Geothermal have singed a deal with Lafarge to extract naturally hot water from 3km below the ground at the former Weardale Works in County Durham was hailed as a boost to plans for a renewable energy village.

The village near Eastgate comprising homes business units and leisure facilities which could create up to 350 jobs was given outline planning permission in June last year.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/crook/8908753.Eco_village_announcements_expected_soon/
 
#45 ·
Consett news, --- this from the Northern Echo,



'No' to village green bid
4:48pm Monday 11th April 2011

Print Email Share Comments(0) By Mark Tallentire »

CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to keep battling despite suffering another blow in their fight to save a field from a £44m education and leisure development.

Members of Consett Green Spaces Group (CGSG) saw their bid to have Consett’s Belle Vue, on which Durham County Council wants to build a £29m academy school and near-£15m leisure centre, thrown out by the council’s highways committee today.

But afterwards, John Campbell, the group’s chairman, said: "We have go to away and consider our options. This might just be the end of round one.

"I’m disappointed but not surprised."

Although the decision cannot be appealed, CGSG could mount a legal challenge and seek a judicial review.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/consett/8967192._No__to_village_green_bid/
 
#46 ·
A bit of news from Sedgefield , ---this from the Northern Echo, --


Villagers feel windfarm plan will blight their lives
6:11pm Thursday 14th April 2011

Print Email Share Comments(1) By Ian Noble »
Reporter (Thirsk)


VILLAGERS are battling controversial plans to build three 110metre high turbines which they claim will blight their lives.

Wind Prospect, an international renewable energy developer, wants to build the two megawatt turbines at Foxton, near to Sedgefield.

Locals fear approving the plans will mean they will be encircled by several small-scale windfarms.

There are already ten turbines at Butterwick Moor, Sedgefield, with plans on hold for four 125metre turbines at nearby Lambs Hill, Stillington.

John Holloway, of Foxton Woods Kennels, said: "There’s the visual impact and a lot of us are against this.

"We can see 17 turbines at Butterwick Moor and there’s going to be another four less than a mile away at Stillington.

"If this plan gets approved there will be another three just half a mile away and we’ll be almost enclosed by them.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...s_feel_windfarm_plan_will_blight_their_lives/
 
#47 ·
Villagers feel windfarm plan will blight their lives
Thursday 14th April 2011

VILLAGERS are battling controversial plans to build three 110metre high turbines which they claim will blight their lives. Wind Prospect, an international renewable energy developer, wants to build the two megawatt turbines at Foxton, near to Sedgefield.

Locals fear approving the plans will mean they will be encircled by several small-scale windfarms. There are already ten turbines at Butterwick Moor, Sedgefield, with plans on hold for four 125metre turbines at nearby Lambs Hill, Stillington.

John Holloway, of Foxton Woods Kennels, said: "There’s the visual impact and a lot of us are against this. "We can see 17 turbines at Butterwick Moor and there’s going to be another four less than a mile away at Stillington.

"If this plan gets approved there will be another three just half a mile away and we’ll be almost enclosed by them.

Read more - http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...s_feel_windfarm_plan_will_blight_their_lives/

Is there only me that thinks these things are actually sleek, attractive, and pleasant to look at?
 
#49 ·
Here's a Development plan that's been passed, --this from the Northern Echo, --



Residents' anger as wind farm gets green light

9:10am Monday 16th May 2011
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By Graeme Hetherington »


A CONTROVERSIAL wind farm has won Government approval after campaigners called for a public inquiry into the scheme.

Banks Developments has been cleared to start work on four, 125m turbines at Lambs Hill Farm, near Stillington.

The Lambs Hill Action Group (LHAG) asked for the planning application to be reviewed after raising concerns over how the decision was made by Stockton Borough Council.

But the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has now decided the scheme, between Darlington and Stockton, does not require further investigation.
Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/9028659.Residents__anger_as_wind_farm_gets_green_light/?ref=ec
 
#50 ·
Regeneration plan ‘would harm rivals’
by Neil McKay, The Journal, May 31st 2011


PLANNING officers have embarked on a collision course with developers, local residents and politicians after recommending the refusal of a £24m development which would create 550 jobs in an unemployment blackspot.

Durham County Council officers are to recommend councillors refuse permission for the building of phase two of Dalton Park retail outlet, near Seaham, when they meet on June 7.

It follows a drawn out campaign by locals who see the development as a much-needed boost.

ING Real Estates, the owners of Dalton Park just off the A19, applied to the county council to build a five-screen cinema, hotel, pub, supermarket and restaurants on an underused part of the site.

Supporters of the scheme say they have already benefited from the opening of Dalton Park seven years ago, since when 500 people have been taken on. However, slow progress has brought accusations planners are “dragging their heels” over the issue.

Now that the application is due to be heard, officers have recommended its refusal on the grounds that it would have an “adverse impact” on nearby shopping centres at Seaham, Peterlee and Easington.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-...uld-harm-rivals-61634-28791037/#ixzz1NujJPLjA
 
#51 ·
Chester-le-Street news, --this from the Northern Echo, ---




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Covering Great Lumley, Sacriston, Ouston, Pelton, Perkinsville




New surgery and library

2:03pm Sunday 12th June 2011
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A NORTH Durham community is celebrating after plans for a new doctors’ surgery and library were given the go-ahead.

The £2.75m development on the site of the former junior and infants school on Ouston Lane, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, was granted planning permission nearly two years ago.

But the project was placed in doubt after the new Coalition Government required that any new capital spend by health trusts had to first be proved to represent "true value" for money.

The County Durham and Darlington NHS trust has now been given the green light to go ahead with the proposals.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/chesterlestreet/9079817.New_surgery_and_library/
 
#52 ·
Revision of County Durham Development Masterplan
The Journal, June 15th 2011


CHANGES are afoot when it comes to development across County Durham. Durham County Council recently published revisions to its economic masterplan.

The most significant change relates to the distribution of housing and employment land with the latest proposing Durham City as a focus for large-scale housing and employment development but with a wider distribution of housing and employment to a range of settlements.

So what does this mean for developers of commercial property? Well, in terms of employment distribution, the revised Core Strategy is looking to identify approximately 421 hectares of land distributed throughout the county but concentrated in the main towns.

The council has continued its proposals for the site at Aykley Heads in Durham City as a major new employment site with other strategic employment sites being proposed at Drum Industrial Estate in Chester-le-Street, Net Park in Sedgefield, an extension to Aycliffe Industrial Estate, south of Seaham Strategic Employment site and Tursdale/Durham Green, as well as a strategic site at Shaw Bank in Barnard Castle.


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/commerc...ion-of-development-masterplan-51140-28881424/
 
#53 ·
Celebration tainted, as three Sports Centres are axed
by Neil McKay, The Journal, July 14th 2011


THE North’s largest local authority yesterday agreed to close three sports centres in just over two months and reduce the hours of a fourth.

The decision by Durham County Council’s Cabinet yesterday almost certainly spells the death knell for sports centres at Sherburn, Crook and Ferryhill.

Yet a leading Cabinet member said residents should be “celebrating” the news that three more have escaped the axe.

Bob Young, the county council’s Cabinet member for Sport and Leisure, said the acceptance of bids by community groups from Ushaw Moor and Coxhoe to run the leisure centres at no cost to the council, plus a reprieve for at least three years for Abbey Centre at Pity Me, Durham, were “a cause for celebration”. He added: “I can put my head on the pillow and sleep tonight knowing it is the coalition Government that has put us in this position.”

Coun Young said the recent building of a sports centre and swimming pool at Freeman’s Quay, Durham, “was another nail in the coffin” for Sherburn, which is due to close on October 1, along with the sports centres at Ferryhill and Crook.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-...entres-are-axed-61634-29049851/#ixzz1S45NpZR6
 
#54 ·
Spennymoor news, --this from the Northern Echo, ---



Councillor calls for action over shopping mall

5:58pm Monday 18th July 2011
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ACTION is being called for to improve a town centre over concerns that a shopping mall has become run down and is an eyesore.

Worries have been voiced by Councillor Ben Ord, of Durham County Council, over the state of Festival Walk shopping centre, in Spennymoor.

Coun Ord, also of Spennymoor Town Council, feels Festival Walk is run down and in urgent need of action.

The 1960s shopping centre is in the hands of administrators at present while a solution is sought to the issue.

Several groups like the county council and Spennymoor Area Action Partnership are involved in seeking a solution.

Coun Ord said: "It’s been a long-term problem and in these economic times money is not easy to come by.

"But we need to look at the place to see what we are going to do about it. It could take a long time to sort any plan out.

"People walking into town see it and it’ll put people off coming into Spennymoor.


Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...uncillor_calls_for_action_over_shopping_mall/
 
#55 ·
Newton Aycliffe news, --this from the Northern Echo, --


Fight vow as wind farm plan unveiled

9:00am Tuesday 19th July 2011


By Joe Willis »
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CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight a proposal to erect England’s biggest wind farm in County Durham – despite its communities being in line for a £11.5m windfall if the scheme goes ahead.

Energy company E.ON today publishes its plans to erect between 25 and 45 turbines east of Newton Aycliffe.

The Isles wind farm would have a capacity of up to 115MW – enough to power 53,000 homes.

E.ON has pledged to pay up to £460,000 a year into a community benefits fund, if the scheme is approved.

The money would be paid for the lifetime of the wind farm – potentially 25 years.

The application would be one of the first in the region to be fast tracked by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) – an independent body that examines applications of national significance.

A final decision would then be made by the Secretary of State.

But community leaders are already drawing up plans to derail the proposal, which they say would leave rural households surrounded by huge turbines.


Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...9146211.Fight_vow_as_wind_farm_plan_unveiled/
 
#56 ·
Newton Aycliffe wind farm to 'swallow up countryside'
by Joanne Butcher, The Journal, September 1st 2011


FEARS are growing that swathes of County Durham countryside will be filled by one of the country’s biggest wind farms.

Energy firm E.on has proposed a scheme with up to 45 turbines near Newton Aycliffe. If it goes ahead, it could be one of the largest onshore farms in England.

This week the company began a public consultation on the plans, which could generate enough electricity to power 53,000 homes a year.

The farm, called The Isles, is planned for a 7.5 square mile site east of Newton Aycliffe.

The company has produced three potential layouts for 25-45 turbines, which replace previous plans to build a smaller farm, the A1 Wind Farm, in the area.

Turbines could be built on both sides of the A1 within just a few miles of rural communities at Chilton, Bradbury, Mordon, Great Stainton, Rushyford, Elstob and Preston-le-Skerne.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-...-up-countryside-61634-29339536/#ixzz1Wgdk4iym
 
#57 ·
This from the Northern Echo, --

Durham Arnison Centre expansion is 'ab fab'

1:09pm Thursday 1st September 2011


By Mark Tallentire »
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PLANS to expand an out-of-town retail park have been hailed as ‘absolutely fantastic’ as they won the backing of councillors.

The owners of the Arnison Centre, near Pity Me, Durham, want to demolish the shopping complex’s Unit A to make way for a new block with three times as much retail floor space.

The scheme was approved by members of Durham County Council’s county planning committee, meeting at County Hall, Durham, on Wednesday.

Councillor Dennis Southwell, who represents Gilesgate, said: "I think it’s absolutely fantastic that developers are willing to spend money in Durham, because we want things there for residents to stay local. This is a fantastic application."

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne....Durham_Arnison_Centre_expansion_is__ab_fab_/
 
#58 ·
Government urged to save County Durham
from too many wind turbines

by William Green, The Journal, September 7th 2011


MINISTERS must act to stop County Durham becoming the “land of wind turbines”, a North MP has warned.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson said that it was time for the rest of the country to share the burden as well as the benefits of renewable energy.

Mr Wilson was speaking ahead of a Parliamentary debate he has secured today on controversial plans that could see England’s biggest wind farm built in his constituency.

The debate in Westminster Hall comes amid wider fears that Government proposals to overhaul the planning system could see even more turbines built.

Anti-wind farm campaigners in neighbouring Northumberland are also worried that the Government’s proposals to change the planning laws could see an avalanche of new applications.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-...y-wind-turbines-61634-29375905/#ixzz1XFzeVKaZ
 
#59 ·
Some news of Consett, ---this from the BBC Tyne & Wear


Plans unveiled to regenerate Consett The town's civic centre has now closed and is set to be demolished Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
Civic centre to close its doors
Consett Academy sponsor unveiled

Plans to regenerate a County Durham town over the next 15 years have been drawn up.

The proposals for Consett include improved housing and retail facilities, better leisure opportunities and a redeveloped bus station.

They take account of feedback from residents during a public consultation.

Durham County Council hopes that potential public and private sector investment could bring in £100m, including the £30.2m it has set aside.

Read more http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-14870952
 
#60 ·
Consett news, --this from BBC Tyne and Wear, --



11 September 2011 Last updated at 11:39 Share this pageEmail Print Share this page

14ShareFacebookTwitter.Plans unveiled to regenerate Consett The town's civic centre has now closed and is set to be demolished Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
Civic centre to close its doors
Consett Academy sponsor unveiled

Plans to regenerate a County Durham town over the next 15 years have been drawn up.

The proposals for Consett include improved housing and retail facilities, better leisure opportunities and a redeveloped bus station.

They take account of feedback from residents during a public consultation.

Durham County Council hopes that potential public and private sector investment could bring in £100m, including the £30.2m it has set aside


Read more http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-14870952
 
#61 ·
More Consett news, --this from BBC Tyne and Wear, --


4 March 2011 Last updated at 08:47 Share this pageFacebookTwitter ShareEmail Print County Durham's Consett Academy sponsor announcedContinue reading the main story
Related Stories
Scaled down academy plan approved
Plan for three academies approved
Protest over planned academy site

A further education college is to sponsor a new academy in County Durham.

Consett Academy will replace Moorside Community Technology College and Consett Community Sports College.

New Durham College is to be the lead sponsor, with Durham County Council as the co-sponsor, subject to the approval of the council's cabinet.

The £20.7m project, on a site in Belle Vue, had faced opposition from some residents, but it is now hoped that it will open in 2012.

It had been set to cost £31.7m, but government spending cuts enforced the reduction.

The proposal was then amended to fit the reduced budget, with £6m saved through a number of measures including lower relocation costs through retaining an on-site rugby club.


Read more http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wear-12644824
 
#62 ·
Barnard Castle news,--T

this from the Northern Echo, --




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Covering Teesdale, Startforth, Whorlton, Stainton, Cotherstone, Bowes, Westwick, Wycliffe, Boldron and other surrounding villages




Plans for £1.3m rope bridge over River Tees unveiled

6:23pm Sunday 16th October 2011
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AMBITIOUS plans to create the UK’s longest rope bridge across the River Tees are to go on show to the public.

Durham County Council is keen to build a £1.3m 265-metre suspension bridge over the river to the west of Barnard Castle.

Teesdale Marketing Ltd, the project’s sponsors, are applying for grants and funds to make the dream a reality.

The idea of a bridge was first suggested several year ago but councillors and residents criticised the initial plan.

A slimmed down redrafted version has since been designed and has met with a more favourable response.

The current scheme recently received a £300,000 funding boost from the council so it could carry out feasibility work.

The plans are to go on show to the public at Newgate Street Studios, Barnard Castle, on Tuesday, October 18.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...___1_3m_rope_bridge_over_River_Tees_unveiled/
 
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