Greenery is vital in a local area, giving residents a chance to exercise, socialise and relax outdoors. In recent years, we have seen how crucial it is for people to have access to outdoor space, and this is something that must be a part of town and city planning as we move forward.
However, there is also a significant need for more homes. This is the case across the country, but here in Darlington, we have seen this at first hand. We work closely with buyers and vendors in the local property market, and the demand for Darlington property is still greater than the supply of homes.
This is why the latest plans for the redevelopment of Georgian parkland around Blackwell Grange Hotel is of interest. There is every chance these plans will split opinion, and there are valid viewpoints from either side of the argument.
The character of Darlington is important
The plans should offer new trees and footpaths to the local area, with the intention of creating a naturalistic space. A report issued by the local council on the proposal say the work intends to retain the “openness and green infrastructure functions so their relationship and importance to the character of Darlington is protected and enhanced”.
It was back in 2019 that Darlington Borough Council dropped plans to build property in the grounds. There was strong opposition to the development plans, with a 130,000-word study detailing how vital the Blackwell parkland area is to the community, and how it plays a strong role in the history of the local area.
A commitment to protecting and preserving Darlington
There was a commitment to protect the area, ensuring that this space was available for future generations to enjoy and admire.
However, there is some unrest at one area being set aside for development, the space referred to as the Blands Corner Triangle. One bone of contention is the plan to demolish a stone building on the site, with the local council saying the site isn’t “economically viable”, which is why there are moves to demolish it.
All feasibility work for restoring the parkland is complete, and a joint venture firm is primed to undertake the redevelopment work. The money for the restoration work comes from selling land for housing.
This is a compromise, but it is one that many people are happy to accept. The need for housing is huge, so this will help, but improvements to the local area will benefit new and existing residents.
The cabinet members of Darlington Borough Council sit on Tuesday 7th of February, and they will discuss these proposals in that meeting.
Contact Anthony Jones for all Darlington property matters
If you are looking for help with any matter of the Darlington property market, it is best to speak to property professionals. No one knows for sure what is going to happen next, so we won’t claim to have all the answers, but the Anthony Jones team is keen to help you as best we can. If you would like to contact us over housing matters, please call us today on 01325 776424.
