NOT one resident who attended a public meeting into plans for 74 homes was in favour of the development, say objectors.
About 40 people attended the public meeting on Tuesday, January 14, following a letter drop in part of Staindrop. Raby Estates has held several consultation events about its plans to build the houses on land it owns along Winston Road. Resident Jill Smith attended the latest Staindrop parish council meeting and gave an update on what was said. She said: “There was about 40 people there and we asked if anyone was for the development and there was not one person there that was for the development.”
She added that those who attended the public meeting want the parish council to give careful consideration to the development because of the impact it would have on the whole village.
Ms Smith said: “Has the parish council analysed the impact that such a large influx of residents and traffic is going to have on village? This development will be the ruination of a beautiful, historic Teesdale village due to the loss of greenfield and therefore the effect on plants, wildlife and flooding.
“You can’t justify an extension of this size to simply spend the proceeds on projects at [Raby] castle for commercial gain at the cost of the village and its community. It is not as though the castle is a ruin, or in any danger of coming into a state of disrepair.”
She added that permission had already been granted for dwellings along Cleatlam Lane, and demand for houses should be determined before consideration is given for another housing development.
Parish chairman Cllr David Reed said the council could not discuss the matter until Raby Estates submits a formal planning application.
Raby Estates says people’s views were being used to create the final application.
A spokesman for Raby Estates said: “We welcome the feedback generated from the discussion of the plans in this open community forum.
“Comments from the community consultation events in both Staindrop and Gainford have already been incredibly helpful when developing the schemes.”
The spokesman added: “The revenue from the proposed developments will contribute directly towards the funding required to support the restoration of heritage buildings. The proposals at Raby Castle allow for a programme of renovation and improvements to several listed buildings which will enable the wider enjoyment of these buildings, the park and gardens.
“The restoration of Gainford Hall will remove it from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
“These buildings are all part of the area’s heritage environment that need to be preserved for future generations and will provide a long-term benefit to the local community.”
