Consultation opens in Darlington on 4,500-home plan

Darlington Borough Council said residents had until 19 November to comment

Consultation has opened on a plan to build a garden village of more than 4,500 homes on the outskirts of Darlington.

Darlington Borough Council is asking the public to comment on the development earmarked for Skerningham.

Campaigners have said the plans are "reprehensible", but the developer describes a "sustainable community".

A draft plan suggests building in four phases, with the last finished by 2050.

A main road, linking the site, would also cut through Skerningham woodland, despite previous council assurances this would not go ahead, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It is understood Darlington FC is considering building its new stadium at the site, although the plans have not been formalised.

Campaigners said they feared the loss of further green space, claiming locals were living "under a cloud of worry".

Skerningham Woodland Action Group (SWAG) previously said residents "find joy being able to walk, jog, cycle or horse-ride around a quiet, unpolluted area and catch glimpses of the precious wildlife as they go".

Developer Skerningham Estates said the project would create a "liveable community" that is "designed around prioritising residents' health, well-being and overall quality of life".

The public can comment on the plans until 19 November.