News

West Park Development

Date: 06/08/2001

The largest single-site development plan in Darlington's history has been given a boost by the Government's decision not to call the proposals in for inspection.

The Government Office for the North-East has given the go-ahead to the 115-acre Darlington West Park scheme planned for the Faverdale area the outline plans for which were agreed by the borough council last month.

Now planning officers can begin talks with the developers to finalise a detailed application.

The ten-year scheme will include up to 600 new homes on the former Darchem site. It will also result in Darlington Memorial Hospital's Pierremont Unit being relocated to a £15m NHS mental health unit, a new home for Mowden Park Rugby Club, a community shop, doctor's surgery and park.

Coun David Lyonette, cabinet member for economic regeneration, welcomed the Government Office's decision.

"It's going to save us an awful lot of time and a bit of money too, I think," he said. "It certainly gets a large problem off our backs in the terms of what to do with the reclamation of that site. It's a brilliant scheme to landscape the whole area."

The rugdy club's new home is expected to include floodlit pitches, a clubhouse, press and television facilities and room for upto 1,350 spectators. The new hospital facilities for 40 patients and will offer occupational therapy and workshops.

Tony Cooper, director of Bussey and Armstrong, the project's Darlington based developers, said the firm was excited to be able to move ahead.

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