Huge response to Gypsy site plans - Darlington

From the Northern Echo

COUNCILLORS in two wards near a potential site for Gypsies and Travellers said they have been overwhelmed by the response from local residents against the plans.

Hundreds of opinions about a potential site in Glebe Road, off Salters Lane West, have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council in protest against the plans by councillors in Harrowgate Hill and Haughton West.

Ward members visited people at home, held public meetings and received hundreds of emails and phone calls about the potential site, with concerns raised about over-crowding in local schools, the negative impact on neighbouring housing estates and traffic issues.

The feedback has been gathered by the councillors as part of the consultation process into six locations the council has put forward as possible solutions for Gypsy and traveller sites in the borough over the next 15 years.

The Glebe Road site lies within Harrowgate Hill ward, but borders large parts of Haughton West.

In Harrowgate Hill, concerns centred around the unsuitability of the site, which residents say is prone to flooding, the damage to the amenity value of neighbouring homes and the lack of school places in the area, particularly for older children.

Councillor Gill Cartwright, Conservative member for Harrowgate Hill, said: “The report we sent to the council had 655 signatures on the bottom - the response has been phenomenal. I’ve never known so many people come forward and I think that reflects the level of concern.

“This consultation has caused panic among local residents, in particular those people who have just bought houses on the brand new estate that will border this site. It has caused a great deal of upset and anger.”

The report submitted on behalf of Haughton West by councillors said 113 objections were received, with two people in favour of the development.

Schools, traffic and the loss of a green field site emerged as key issues for people in the ward.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Haughton West ward member, said: “The response to this issue is much bigger than anything we have ever experienced before. This has been a sensitive and unusual consultation but I think the council should have either been more specific about what they were planning for the potential sites, or consulted without naming areas.”