Conservatives support unpopular development in Hurworth

12.01.41pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 8th Jun 2007

It was extremely disappointing that the recent Darlington Council Planning Applications Committee granted outline planning permission for the development of Croft House in Hurworth Place.

The plans include the conversion of the existing house into four apartments, with two detached houses and thirteen town houses to be built in the grounds. Due to the risk of flooding, the properties are to be built on two metre high stilts. A pond will be dug to help retain floodwater.

Local residents, along with Cllr Swainston, spoke out against this planned development, yet it was still passed.

What was even more surprising for the public attending the Planning Committee meeting was the Conservatives' support for this scheme. Their deputy leader, Cllr Charles Johnson, spoke in favour of the scheme. The Lib Dem councillor on the Committee voted against the plans. Clearly the rural environment and protecting people from potential flooding are not Conservative values these days. Shame on you!