Hurworth Councillors help victorious fight against Skipbridge development

8.55.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 6th Apr 2008

Martin and Malcolm at Skipbridge

Last month, the Darlington Borough Council planning applications committee voted narrowly to reject the proposed leisure park development of 80 chalet style units on the former brickworks at Skipbridge, Hurworth Moor.

This has been a long fight for Councillor Martin Swainston and Councillor Malcolm Dunstone. They have been involved in supporting concerned residents since the original leisure park development back in 2006. Malcolm and Martin have fought this development all the way: lobbying planning officers, questioning the need for this development and addressing the planning committee to get their message across.

The number of opponents to this development was clearly one of the reasons for the rejection. Both Neasham and Hurworth Parish Councils rejected this proposal along with many, many residents who raised the problems of transport issues, loss of environment and overloaded services.

If the reports in the press are anything to go by, it would seem that the developers are intending to appeal against the decision. If this is the case, it is disappointing that the opinions of residents can't be accepted.

In the meantime, congratulations to everyone involved in the fight against this development. Should an appeal be lodged, Martin and Malcolm will continue to represent the views of those directly affected and resist the developers.