URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1999

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 (previously circulated) of the Executive Director to seek Members approval to submit an application for the voluntary registration of land at Blackwell Grange, Darlington as a Village Green.   The report explained that the Blackwell Parkland site is a Council owned open space of circa 17 Ha (42 acres) as shown on the Plan, it is used for informal recreation and forms a valuable amenity space serving the Darlington Community. The site is protected as a primary open space within the Council’s Local Plan and in recognition of the importance of the open space to the local community, residents have requested approval to voluntarily designate the land as a village green.   The report clarified that Blackwell Parkland is considered to be the last remaining of the Georgian Pleasure Parks in the town and this the only parkland in the Borough which combines a successful 21st Century nature recovery strategy, with the protection of the surviving early English parkland scene, and the later Capability Brown naturalistic style, there are no other sites within the Borough that could demonstrate the uniqueness of Blackwell. The legal implications regarding the Village Green status are outlined in the report.   Conversation ensued around the parklands historic background and the support for this report and recommendations.   RESOLVED - It is recommended that Cabinet: (a)    Proceed with the application for voluntary registration as a Village Green, taking into consideration the advice and guidance outlined in the report. (b)   Subject to Members’ decision, the Executive Director – Economy & Public Protection to have delegated authority to make the application to the Commons Registration Authority for the land to be registered as Village Green.   REASON - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons: (a) To further protect public space for the benefit of residents and wildlife. (b) To protect and preserve the unique historic parkland, which is justification for registration as a Village Green.  

Date of Decision: May 5, 2026