More details on Darlington garden village plan

The Skerningham "garden village" plan was adopted as part of the 20-year Darlington Local Plan in February despite strong opposition.

Now the plans will be discussed at a Darlington Borough Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday (September 6).

Read more: Darlington local plan including Skerningham development is PASSED

Council leaders will be asked to start public consultation on the development's "design code".

This 148-page document will be used as a guide or blueprint for making detailed plans for the 487-hectare site, which consists mainly of fields.

It states: "The ambition for Skerningham Garden Village is to create a great place for a new community to live, work and recreate.

Skerningham. Picture: Northern Echo.

"The vision for Skerningham is that of a compact 20-minute neighbourhood with a range of services that meet most needs.

"The design code will guide the character of development and ensure high-quality proposals that meet the vision and aspirations of the local community.

"This design code establishes a clear set of rules and standards that will guide development in the future while offering the opportunity for creativity and flexibility for designers and developers."

Read more: Darlington Skerningham development - 'A long, long way to go yet'

It is expected about 1,650 homes will be built by 2036, though council policy sets the area aside for 4,500 homes in total.

The design document suggests "a series of village scale new neighbourhoods", or "clusters of hamlets", with homes 10 minutes' walk away from community services and bus stops.

It aims to create "healthier and connected communities with integrated and high-quality health services" and an "distinctive and unique" development with "the very best in design and construction".

Homes are to be suitable for low-carbon heating in a scheme intended to be innovative and have a low environmental impact: "No new homes should connect to the gas grid."

Read more: 4,000-home Skerningham garden village in Darlington 'sound in principle'

A new road is proposed between the A167 and A1150, as well as health facilities, shops, pubs, cafés, businesses, schools, places of worship, "home-working hubs", community facilities and public transport links.

The blueprint includes places to sit, "space to chat or play", parks, public squares, market places, village greens, safe pedestrian and cycle routes, village centres shared between pedestrians and cyclists, and "essential" parking for bikes as well as cars.

It suggests "wildlife corridors" to connect natural areas, link urban centres with countryside and "create a green network", and open spaces aiming to give residents "the perception of being immersed in nature".

Skerningham Woods development protest in Darlington in February. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

It adds: "Nature should be retained, enhanced and integrated throughout the landscape, architecture and infrastructure of the garden village.

"Our streets should be for everyone - providing safe and attractive places to travel, rest, play and spend time.

"Streets and paths within Skerningham must connect people to places and public transport services in the most direct way, making car-free travel more attractive, safe, and convenient.

"The aim is to make walking and cycling feel like an instinctive choice for undertaking short journeys for everyone, of all ages and capabilities."

Read more: Skerningham protesters call on council to rethink local plan

It says the site is a "logical and sustainable extension to Darlington" and the code was shaped with residents and nearby communities.

It identifies 10 areas - Beaumont Hill, Skerningham Woods, Skerningham Lane West, Golf Course (The Fairways), Manor House View, Skerningham Lane East, Quarry Woods, Barmpton Forest, Barmpton Lane and Bishopton Lane - each with a series of principles for what should be done.

The code was developed by DesignNE with a £122,000 grant in a pilot which will be adopted by other councils across the country.

The council says 250 local people took part in workshops and contributing to the draft.

After the latest consultation, the document and any changes to it will be presented to cabinet and full council.

If approved, the design code will be used in a "comprehensive masterplan" and in future applications for planning permission.

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