URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2000

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection to approve the release of approximately 1.1 ha (2.66 acres) of Council owned land at Sparrow Hall Drive, Darlington, for the Council to build social rented homes, subject to planning permission. To grant the adjoining landowner of Elm Tree Farm or their developer access rights across the Council’s land at Sparrow Hall Drive to enable them to bring their site forward for residential development, subject to planning permission.   The report clarified that the Council owns circa 1.1 Ha (2.66 acres) of land at Sparrow Hall Drive and now wish to bring forward the site for the development of circa 40 social rented Council homes to be delivered through the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This is seen as a Council priority and will help to meet much needed demand.   It was explained that the owners of the adjoining Elm Tree Farm are also seeking to bring their site forward for residential development subject to obtaining access via the Council’s land and subject to securing the gran of planning permission for policy complaint scheme.   It was stated that the Council’s land at Sparrow Hall Drive in conjunction with the adjoining Elm Tree Farm is an allocation for residential development in the current Local Plan, it was proposed that the Council grant access rights to the adjoining owner of Elm Tree Farm or their developer in return for a payment upon the grant of planning permission.   Members of the Public and Councillors representing the Whinfield ward voiced their concerns regarding the report.   RESOLVED – It is recommended that: (a)    The release of the land at Sparrow Hall Drive for the development of Council social rented homes be approved and the Executive Director Economy & Public Protection be delegated to agree terms in line with those outlined in Appendix 2 (PART III).   (b)   A right of access be granted to the adjoining landowner of Elm Tree Farm or their developer to enable that site to be brought forward for residential development and the Executive Director Economy & Public Protection be delegated to finalise terms in line with those outlined in the Part III report attached at Appendix 2 (PART III).   (c)    The Assistant Director Law and Governance, Monitoring Officer be authorised to document the required transactions accordingly.     REASON - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons: (a)    To facilitate the delivery of much needed Council owned social rented housing, a Council priority, on the Sparrow Hall Drive site.   (b)   To facilitate adjoining land to come forward for a policy compliant residential development subject to planning permission.   (c)    To achieve a capital receipt for the Council, and   (d)   To ensure that the Council can control any future development proposals to land that may be accessed via Sparrow Hall Drive and Elm Tree Farm.      

Date of Decision: May 5, 2026