Durham County Council has received a planning application for consent to erect a wind turbine on land to the east of Dene Leazes Farm at Castle Eden.
Full details of the application can be viewed on the council's planning site by following the links at www.durham.gov.uk and using the planning code CE/13/01502/FPA.
In order for residents to have their say on these proposals we have asked for an extension to the formal public consultation exercise and the planning case officer has confirmed that representations will be received until January 2014.
If you would like to comment on this planning application please contact the planning case officer at county hall: ann.rawlinson@durham.gov.uk or email: dmcentraleast@durham.gov.uk.
As ever, please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss this matter further.
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Christmas bin collection details
We have reproduced below information issued by DCC regarding bin collections over the Christmas period:
Residents in County Durham are reminded that some bin collection dates may change over the festive period.
The changes will affect rubbish and recycling collections which normally take place on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
Collections which usually take place on a Tuesday will not be affected and will be done as normal on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
The Christmas and New Year collection arrangements are as follows:
Normal collection day
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Christmas collection
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New Year collection
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Tuesday
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Collection as normal on 24 December
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Collection as normal on 31 December
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Wednesday
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Friday 27 December
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Thursday 2 January
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Thursday
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Saturday 28 December
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Friday 3 January
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Friday
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Monday 30 December
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Saturday 4 January
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All collections will be back to normal from Tuesday 7 January.
Keith Parkinson, refuse and recycling manager at Durham County Council, said: "Bin collections will still take place during the festive period but the date of the actual collection will change for some people.
"It is important that residents check their collection dates and ensure they put the right bin out on the correct day."
Residents can arrange for their real Christmas tree to be collected free of charge. To make arrangements people should contact the county council on 03000 26 1000 before Monday 6 January.
Alternatively people can take real Christmas trees to any household waste recycling centre in the county. They can check the opening hours of their nearest site at www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc
All sites will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
There will be no bulky waste collections between Monday 23 December and Friday 3 January.
A1086 Blackhall to Horden - more rumours
Following our most recent post two weeks ago (3 December 2013) about the possible closure of the A1086 between Blackhall and Horden rumours have persisted and grown to the point that we are being contacted several times each day by people concerned about the extent and impact of any future road closure.
For example we heard yesterday from a number of well-meaning sources that the road would close on 4 January for four weeks, then we heard that the road would be closed off in February for four months and we were even told that the road would close next year and may never reopen!
It's understandable that people are genuinely concerned about the potential impact of landslip repair works in this area. The simple truth however is that no-one knows for certain if, or when, road works are to be carried out.
Just to be sure we checked again with senior highways officers at county hall yesterday. They insist that there are no firm plans yet to carry out repair works at this location. They are currently assessing site investigation reports before reaching a decision on how and when works will begin and, perhaps most importantly, how any impact can be kept to a minimum.
We have been told that the information in the update we published on this site on 3 December remains accurate. We have been assured that we will receive regular updates on progress and we will pass on that information through this site as soon as it is received. In the meantime please feel free to let us know of any particular concerns you might have in relation to this matter.
For example we heard yesterday from a number of well-meaning sources that the road would close on 4 January for four weeks, then we heard that the road would be closed off in February for four months and we were even told that the road would close next year and may never reopen!
It's understandable that people are genuinely concerned about the potential impact of landslip repair works in this area. The simple truth however is that no-one knows for certain if, or when, road works are to be carried out.
Just to be sure we checked again with senior highways officers at county hall yesterday. They insist that there are no firm plans yet to carry out repair works at this location. They are currently assessing site investigation reports before reaching a decision on how and when works will begin and, perhaps most importantly, how any impact can be kept to a minimum.
We have been told that the information in the update we published on this site on 3 December remains accurate. We have been assured that we will receive regular updates on progress and we will pass on that information through this site as soon as it is received. In the meantime please feel free to let us know of any particular concerns you might have in relation to this matter.
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Response to proposed crematorium at Castle Eden
A consultation was held recently by a national funeral company regarding their plans to build a crematorium on land to the north of the former brewery at Castle Eden, between the golf club and the A19.
Since the event we have had the opportunity to meet with members of the public and members of Castle Eden parish council and from their feedback we have written to the company with our formal response to their initial proposals. This is reproduced below in full:
Since the event we have had the opportunity to meet with members of the public and members of Castle Eden parish council and from their feedback we have written to the company with our formal response to their initial proposals. This is reproduced below in full:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Durham County Councillors’ joint response to proposed crematorium on land to the North of the former Castle Eden Brewery:
We would like to thank you for the opportunity to view your plans for a crematorium at the above location. However we feel we must object to your proposal for reasons which include, but are not limited to, those outlined below:
· Traffic generation: we are aware that there are ongoing traffic-related problems in this location and we believe that a proposal of this nature would increase the number of vehicles in and around the site and so add to existing traffic-related issues. The site in question is directly adjacent to the A19, a major trunk road through East Durham, linking the conurbations of Teesside and Tyneside. Any increased traffic generation would have a hugely negative impact on the settlements around this area.
· Visual impact: residents from properties close to the proposed development site have approached us with concerns about the impact the finished site would have on their visual amenity. After careful consideration of the plans and projected visual impact we are inclined to agree with residents.
· Parking and turning: further to our point above in relation to increased traffic generation we feel that a facility of this nature would lead to an increase in parking and turning problems currently experienced at this location.
· Disturbance: we share the concerns expressed by residents nearby that a proposed crematorium in this area would lead to increased incidents of disturbance caused by a greater number of vehicles and visitors to the site.
· Effect on conservation area(s): we note that the proposal relates to a site bordered to the North by Castle Eden Dene and to the South by the settlement of Castle Eden which is a conservation area. We feel that a development of this nature is not appropriate at this location.
In addition to these material planning considerations we feel that the proposed operators have failed to identify any clear benefits to the community, either in economic, social or environmental terms.
Further we feel that the operator has not fully considered the viability of alternative sites for this development. We note that the land to the North of the former Castle Eden Brewery was identified as suitable by the developer alone. Further, we note that the developer approached Durham County Council in pursuit of a list of appropriate sites in the ownership of the authority. The proposed site was not included on that list.
In summary we feel that for environmental and social reasons the site in question is wholly inappropriate for a development of this nature. We have not received any credible economic argument for this development and we feel that other, more appropriate, sites are available elsewhere.
In planning terms we feel that the material planning considerations as detailed above would be sufficient evidence for the local planning authority to reject any future application for development at this location.
Yours faithfully
Cllr Rob Crute and Cllr Lynn Pounder
Hesleden Pit Heap consultation
A consultation exercise was held last night at Hesleden Community Centre to seek residents’ initial views on the possible future extraction of 270,000 tonnes of solid combustible materials from the former pit heap.
The consultation, which will form the basis of a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), was arranged by Hargreaves who intend to use the SCI as part of a formal planning application in the new year to seek consent to remove low-grade fuel from the pit heap.
Plans were made available in the community centre to show how Hargreaves intend to transport the fuel from the pit heap along Gray Avenue and onto the B1281 and on toward Castle Eden and the A19. It is estimated that removal will entail four HGV movements an hour, six days a week for an estimated twenty months. Because of the potential for upheaval we have asked Hargreaves to commit to making some form of financial compensation to the general community if any planning consent is granted.
The eventual outcome of course depends on the formal planning process and it is particularly important that residents voice their concerns at the appropriate time as part of that process. We feel that if Hargreaves is prepared to spend a lot of money on gaining planning approval then there must be sufficient profit in the exercise to justify their initial outlay. We think it only fair that the community is properly compensated for its part in what could be considerable upheaval over a lengthy period of time.
As ever we will be guided by the wishes of residents and the wider community if this proposal is eventually submitted to the county council for planning consent.
The consultation, which will form the basis of a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), was arranged by Hargreaves who intend to use the SCI as part of a formal planning application in the new year to seek consent to remove low-grade fuel from the pit heap.
Plans were made available in the community centre to show how Hargreaves intend to transport the fuel from the pit heap along Gray Avenue and onto the B1281 and on toward Castle Eden and the A19. It is estimated that removal will entail four HGV movements an hour, six days a week for an estimated twenty months. Because of the potential for upheaval we have asked Hargreaves to commit to making some form of financial compensation to the general community if any planning consent is granted.
The eventual outcome of course depends on the formal planning process and it is particularly important that residents voice their concerns at the appropriate time as part of that process. We feel that if Hargreaves is prepared to spend a lot of money on gaining planning approval then there must be sufficient profit in the exercise to justify their initial outlay. We think it only fair that the community is properly compensated for its part in what could be considerable upheaval over a lengthy period of time.
As ever we will be guided by the wishes of residents and the wider community if this proposal is eventually submitted to the county council for planning consent.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Hesleden Christmas Tree
After the Christmas tree lights were switched on at Blackhall last night it was Hesleden's turn tonight to light up their village tree.
The chairman of the parish council, Cllr Gaynor Crute, again welcomed everyone to the event by introducing the staff and pupils from Hesleden Primary School who turned out in their numbers to entertain residents gathered around the tree. A selection of Christmas carols was closely followed by the countdown to the tree lighting.
Again, thanks go to the clerk and members of Monk Hesleden Parish Council for organising the Christmas lighting ceremony, but a special thank you goes to the pupils of Hesleden Primary School for their magnificent carol singing. Well done to all!
The chairman of the parish council, Cllr Gaynor Crute, again welcomed everyone to the event by introducing the staff and pupils from Hesleden Primary School who turned out in their numbers to entertain residents gathered around the tree. A selection of Christmas carols was closely followed by the countdown to the tree lighting.
Again, thanks go to the clerk and members of Monk Hesleden Parish Council for organising the Christmas lighting ceremony, but a special thank you goes to the pupils of Hesleden Primary School for their magnificent carol singing. Well done to all!
Update on road works between Blackhall and Horden
Following a number of rumours recently about possible road closures next year on the A1086 between Blackhall Colliery and Horden we have asked for a full update from the head of technical services at county hall.
We have reproduced his response below in full. We have also been promised monthly updates until works in this area are completed and we will publish these messages on this site as and when we receive them:
Permanent Solution
We are currently reviewing the Site Investigation Report recently received from our consultants Aecom to identify remedial measures. Once we have identified a way forward we will be able to provide an update on timescales for any future works. Unfortunately land slips like this are complex and it takes time to identify the underlying causes and come up with a permanent solution.
Temporary Solution
We carried out an inspection last Wednesday to consider the possibility of reopening the road to two way traffic. Although there is no evidence of cracking in the carriageway there was evidence of further cracks in the verge to the rear of the kerb suggesting that further movement has occurred so in the interest of public safety we cannot reopen the road to two way traffic at the moment.
We have considered whether we could widen the road to the north to provide the width required for two way traffic but do not think this is a viable solution. This would require works to both the existing footway and verge but the presence of utility apparatus in the footpath and verge/bankside also mean protection works to the utilities which could be costly and would not be a quick solution. Any works to widen the north side of the carriageway would require a full road closure as we would not want to divert traffic back on to the south side of the road carriageway adjacent to the slip whilst work was being carried out.
We will arrange for further enquiries with the utility companies to determine the likely implications should a widening be required in the future. In the meantime the existing traffic management will remain.
We have reproduced his response below in full. We have also been promised monthly updates until works in this area are completed and we will publish these messages on this site as and when we receive them:
Permanent Solution
We are currently reviewing the Site Investigation Report recently received from our consultants Aecom to identify remedial measures. Once we have identified a way forward we will be able to provide an update on timescales for any future works. Unfortunately land slips like this are complex and it takes time to identify the underlying causes and come up with a permanent solution.
Temporary Solution
We carried out an inspection last Wednesday to consider the possibility of reopening the road to two way traffic. Although there is no evidence of cracking in the carriageway there was evidence of further cracks in the verge to the rear of the kerb suggesting that further movement has occurred so in the interest of public safety we cannot reopen the road to two way traffic at the moment.
We have considered whether we could widen the road to the north to provide the width required for two way traffic but do not think this is a viable solution. This would require works to both the existing footway and verge but the presence of utility apparatus in the footpath and verge/bankside also mean protection works to the utilities which could be costly and would not be a quick solution. Any works to widen the north side of the carriageway would require a full road closure as we would not want to divert traffic back on to the south side of the road carriageway adjacent to the slip whilst work was being carried out.
We will arrange for further enquiries with the utility companies to determine the likely implications should a widening be required in the future. In the meantime the existing traffic management will remain.
Blackhall Colliery Christmas Tree
The annual ceremony to light the parish council Christmas tree was held at Chicken's Green in Blackhall Colliery last night.
The chairman of the parish council, Cllr Gaynor Crute, opened the event by introducing the children of Blackhall Colliery and St Joseph's primary schools who sang a selection of seasonal favourites.
Reverend Alison Richardson from St Andrew's church then offered a blessing for the tree before leading the children in a countdown to the formal illumination ceremony.
Thanks go to the clerk, chairman and members of Monk Hesleden Parish Council, along with the pupils and staff from both Blackhall Colliery and St Joseph's primary schools for their annual involvement in this ceremony which grows each year in popularity. Special thanks go to Reverend Alison on this her first formal tree lighting ceremony, one which it is hoped will be the first of many.
Tonight it will be the turn of Hesleden school and residents to switch on their Christmas tree lights. Please gather on the green outside of the Hesleden Community Centre at 4pm.
The chairman of the parish council, Cllr Gaynor Crute, opened the event by introducing the children of Blackhall Colliery and St Joseph's primary schools who sang a selection of seasonal favourites.
Reverend Alison Richardson from St Andrew's church then offered a blessing for the tree before leading the children in a countdown to the formal illumination ceremony.
Thanks go to the clerk, chairman and members of Monk Hesleden Parish Council, along with the pupils and staff from both Blackhall Colliery and St Joseph's primary schools for their annual involvement in this ceremony which grows each year in popularity. Special thanks go to Reverend Alison on this her first formal tree lighting ceremony, one which it is hoped will be the first of many.
Tonight it will be the turn of Hesleden school and residents to switch on their Christmas tree lights. Please gather on the green outside of the Hesleden Community Centre at 4pm.
