Mounting opposition to new homes plan for Barnard Castle

There is mounting opposition to a proposed new housing estate in Barnard Castle before a planning application has even been made.

Bellway Homes is hoping to build 65 new homes on a field along Darlington Road and has started a consultation.

However, Barnard Castle’s county councillor and Marwood Parish Council have vowed to object to the scheme.

In a pamphlet drop to neighbours this week, Bellway said the estate would be a mix of two to five-bedroom dwellings, with 20 per cent being affordable homes.

Marwood Parish Council chairman Cllr Adrian Mairs said Barnard Castle cannot cope with more residents and motor vehicles. He also condemned the loss of more agricultural land to housing.

Cllr Mairs said: “There will be another 150 cars. Where is it going to end, on a Friday you can’t get through the town.

“The schools are near enough full. You can’t get a doctors or dentist appointment. The town is at maximum stretch, I don’t think it can take any more.”

He added that the parish council had already objected to three housing estates in the past, including the new Ashtree Park and another at the end of Green Lane, and would also object to the Bellway development.

He also expressed concern that the developer had not contacted the parish council about its proposals, as had been the case with previous developments.

The town’s county representative Cllr Chris Foote-Wood also confirmed he will be opposing the scheme.

He said: “It will be adding pressure on traffic, parking and the schools in the town.

“I objected to the previous one because I think it is quite wrong to have these extensions into the countryside.

“The approach to Barnard Castle from the east is of the modern houses, whereas Barnard Castle is a very attractive town with the majority of the houses built over 100 years ago and that is part of its charm.”

He complained that the developments on the edge of the town do not add to the coffers of the town council, but rather the precept tax goes to Marwood Parish Council.

The leaflet delivered by Bellway said: “A full application is currently being prepared by Bellway Homes North East for the development of new homes on land at Darlington Road.

“Before the application is submitted we would like to hear your views on the proposals to gain valuable feedback and to answer any queries you may have.”

The public consultation is to take place at Barnard Castle Sports and Social Club (formerly Glaxo Club) on Thursday, July 16, from 4pm to 7pm.