Plans for 650 homes as part of new garden village

Plans have been submitted for a 650-home neighbourhood as part of a new garden village.

Tiviot Way Investments Ltd has applied to Darlington Borough Council for permission to build on land at Bishopton Lane in Darlington, forming part of Skerningham Garden Village.

Council documents show this phase of development would include 130 affordable homes, residential accommodation for the elderly and open spaces.

Those behind the plans said the development would "assist in delivering much-needed housing" in the area.

The wider plans would see Skerningham Garden Village eventually provide 3,700 homes, a school, a GP, shops and food and drinks outlets by 2050, with the build happening in stages.

Plans for the first phase, consisting of 450 homes, have already been submitted and is due to be considered by the council.

The application by Tiviot Way Investments Ltd is at outline stage, meaning specific details such as the type of houses to be built would be determined later.

Council documents show the plans would include a mobility hub to provide residents and workers with sustainable forms of transport.

The papers said: "In this way the use of the private car will be minimised through careful site planning and active travel measures contained within the travel plans for this development."

The plans would also preserve the Great Burdon Rural Gap, which acts as a buffer between rural and built-up areas and create new wildlife corridors.

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