Newton Grange Farm, Stockton Road, Sadberge, Darlington, DL2 1SS

erection of 25 no dwellings including 20% affordable (5 no. units)

Authority: Darlington Borough Council
Appeal type: major · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Major dwellings
Inspector: Hunt S

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

whether the proposed development would be in a suitable location for housing having regard to the development plan and national policy
the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the site and the surrounding area
the effect of the proposed development on the setting of the Sadberge Conservation Area
whether net gains for biodiversity would be adequately secured as part of the proposed development

What decided it

The proposal's location outside development limits in the countryside, contrary to Policies H3, H7 and SH1, combined with harm to character and appearance contrary to Policy DC1, which together conflict with the development plan as a whole.

The harm to character and appearance and the conflict with development plan policies restricting countryside development were not outweighed by benefits including the sustainable transport contribution secured by unilateral undertaking and generic economic and social benefits.

Framework references: 11, 78, 79, 80, 57, 56, 174, 180, 16

Plan policies cited: DLP Policy H3, DLP Policy H7, DLP Policy SH1, DLP Policy H6, DLP Policy DC1, DLP Policy ENV1(b), DLP Policy ENV7, DLP Policy ENV8, DLP Policy H5

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.

What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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