ANOTHER 210 new homes in Startforth would be an estate too far, parish councillors were told.
Jim Boaden, chairman of Startforth’s neighbourhood planning group, told last week’s parish council meeting: “We have got more than our fair share of new housing.”
Cheshire-based Gladman Developments has launched a public consultation exercise into its plans, which are earmarked for a large site next to Startforth Park.
The proposal is in addition to the 162 properties being built by Kier Homes on land next to Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution and the 64-home estate recently completed on the other side of Startforth Park.
Startforth resident Judith Rodwell told parish councillors: “Another housing estate is too many.”
She said she had a number of concerns, not least of which was the ever increasing amount of traffic, which she estimated had at least doubled as the result of recent developments.
She also raised concerns about the effect of yet more new houses on the infrastructure in Barnard Castle.
“This would be the third development in Startforth. There are two in Barnard Castle – Darlington Road and Green Lane.
“You have a job getting an appointment at the doctors’ surgery. For the dentist, you have to go to West Auckland.
“The schools are getting crowded and this [estate] would be bigger than the two already here.”
Startforth Park resident Adrienne Howard queried the developers’ claims that the estate would enhance the environment.
“It’s just not true. There are lapwings, oystercatchers, buzzards, hedgehogs – it’s not right to say putting all that on is going to improve matters,” she said.
Ms Howard was also concerned about the amount of traffic that would be generated.
“How are we going to get across that bridge in the morning?”
The meeting was told hundreds of leaflets highlighting the plans had been circulated throughout the village.
Parish council chairman Cllr Pat Estall was not impressed.
“Some of the information in the leaflet is not accurate. They have not done their job fully as far as research is concerned.
“The effect the build would have on the environment, on the community and on safety along the road is a major concern.”
He said in his role as chairman of the Startforth Park Residents’ Association he was canvassing views to come up with a collective opinion.
However, he said it was important that people respond individually.
It was pointed out that the consultation was being done by the developer prior to the submission of a planning application to Durham County Council and that anyone responding now should do so again once proposals had been put in.
Parish councillors agreed they would call a special meeting if and when a planning application was submitted.
In the meantime, a website has been set up by Gladman Developments to outline its plans and seek feedback from those living in the area.
For more details, go to www.your-views.co.uk/startforth.
