SADBERGE PARISH COUNCIL

Adrian Hobbs
Planning Officer
Darlington Borough Council
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT / Mayfield House
Middleton Road
Sadberge
Darlington
County Durham
DL2 1RR
Phone:01325-333333
Mobile:07966-312980
9th January 2013

Dear Adrian,

Planning application reference:12/00758/FUL

Description:Change of use to mixed use to include private gypsy site with associated development including stationing a mobile home, erection of amenity block, construction of hard standing for two touring caravans and access track

Location:Field to the north of Lea Close, Middleton Road, Sadberge

Sadberge Parish Council strongly objects to the above planning application for the following reasons:-

  1. The proposed development would be outside the Sadberge village envelope; i.e. the limits to development
  2. Allowing the proposed development would set a precedent that would make it more difficult to prevent further development in the countryside around Sadberge.
  3. There would be a loss of visual amenity for Sadberge residents. The site is clearly visible from residential properties on the south side of Sadberge Village, and the proposed development would be out of character with the village.
  4. Access to the site is from Middleton Road, which (i) is the busiest road into Sadberge Village, (ii) carries large vehicles from the scaffolding contractors on the south side of Lea Close, and (iii) has a problem with vehicles exceeding the speed limit. There could be safety issues with caravans and other large vehicles entering into and exiting from the proposed development site.
  5. The site is at the foot of the A66 embankment. The A66 carries fast-moving traffic, including tankers travelling to and from the chemical works near Billingham and Middlesbrough.
  6. The site is not on Darlington Borough Council's list of potential sites for travellers.
  7. There is a lack of services local to the proposed development. Sadberge does not have a post office, a shop, a school or a bus service.

The Parish Council also makes the following comments:-

  1. When he bought the land the applicant gave Ward Councillor Brian Jones an assurance that he would only use the site for keeping horses.

/ continued

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  1. The Parish Council is concerned that if the proposed development is allowed the site may be used for business purposes.
  2. Is there a risk of flooding at this site? If so, is it suitable for residential purposes?
  3. Is there a water main running under the site? If so, Northumbrian Water should be consulted.

If any of these comments require clarification then please contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Alastair Mackenzie

Clerk to Sadberge Parish Council
Email:

Copies to:Lee TateChair of Sadberge Parish Council
Brian JonesWard Councillor for Sadberge & Whessoe
Roy MerrettDevelopment Manager, Darlington Borough Council