Proposed solar panel project at Hulam Farm

Agents acting on behalf of Lightsource BP have been in touch recently with details of a proposed solar panel scheme to be sited on land at Hulam Farm.

The company is keen to consult local residents about their proposal so they will be holding a public information event next month in Hesleden to gauge public opinion on the scheme.

Please see below for full details of the proposal and the public consultation event:

Lightsource BP is a global market leader in the funding, development and long-term management of large-scale solar projects and smart energy solutions. They work closely with local businesses and communities to supply clean, dependable and competitively-priced energy. The company are dedicated to securing a low-carbon future and meeting the dual challenge of an increased demand for energy alongside a need to reduce emissions.
Lightsource BP is committed to local community and stakeholder engagement and have appointed Instinctif Partners to assist with the community and stakeholder engagement on the proposal.

The proposal is for a 49.9 Megawatt solar farm which is equivalent to the energy needs of 13,397 houses and will deliver many environmental benefits including saving 16,865 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The solar installation has been designed to leave wide spaces around the site boundaries and between the rows of panels, leaving the majority of the fenced solar array as uncovered grassland. Further, Lightsource BP will also ensure the layout of this proposal not only maintains the existing vegetation but will plant new vegetation to further screen potential views and increase biodiversity.

We know that Durham County Council is conscious of the challenges of climate change and, through its declaration of a climate emergency earlier this year, has committed to doing all it can to reduce carbon emissions. The proposal will not only contribute to a reduction of emissions, it will also help the council in its ambition to be greener and will positively build on the work already being done as part of the ‘Altogether Greener’ initiative.

The community information event will be held on

Wednesday 4th December 2019 from 3:30pm to 7:00pm at

Hesleden Working Men’s Club, Front St, Hesleden. TS27 4PH

Roadworks next week in Blackhall Colliery

Please note below details of road works scheduled for Blackhall Colliery next week and ongoing pavement upgrade works in Front Street, Hesleden:

A1086 / B1281	Coast Road, Blackhall Colliery	Electric main upgrade	3 way lights	16 November	17 November	Northern Powergrid
Unclassified	Front Street, Hesleden	Footpath works	2 way lights	11 November	6 December	Durham County Council

Pavement upgrades on Front Street, Hesleden

Following queries from local residents yesterday morning about ongoing road works in Front Street, Hesleden I contacted the highways section at county hall to find out the nature and extent of the works.

The response is published below in full:

Good Afternoon Cllr Crute

These are capital scheme works to resurface the footway. Please find attached a plan showing the extent of the proposed works. Our programme team has informed me that the works should take approximately 3 weeks to complete; obviously this is weather dependant.

If you need any further information don’t hesitate to contact me.

The footpath resurfacing works described above are to be carried out between the Methodist chapel and the junction with the road heading towards Hazel Drive and Sycamore Drive. 

As regular readers of this blog will know, notification of scheduled works is generally published in advance so that residents and others can make preparations if necessary. Because some seemed unaware of the works in Front Street yesterday morning I have asked for confirmation that local residents and business, particularly those in Front Street, we given advance notification.

An update will be published as soon as it is received.

Update on public notifications (Thursday 14 November):

Having enquired about residents notification letters relating to these works I have received the following response from the service:

Good Morning Cllr Crute

I have been informed by our Highway Operations team that residents of Front Street, Hesleden received a letter on the 06/11/19 informing them of the proposed footway works. I have attached a copy of the letter used by them (as follows):

Dear Sir or Madam

Various Footpath Works at Front Street, Hesleden

I wish to inform you that from the week commencing 11/11/2019 onwards Durham County Council will be carrying out footpath construction works to various sections within the proximity of your homes.  This work involves taking up the existing footpaths and some kerbing as necessary and their renewal. 

The scheme is expected to take approximately 3-4 weeks to complete and during this time I would ask for your patience and co-operation as some disruption is inevitable. I would further ask that vehicles parked to the front and sides of these properties which are affected are left elsewhere during working hours to allow space for construction plant.

Should you have any problems or concerns during the work please contact Mr Stephen Deighton on 03000269567, or contact the onsite Foreman Mark Cooper 07713193318.

If you live on Front Street and did not receive a notification letter about these works please let me know and I'll follow it up with the service.

Remembrance Sunday 2019

In towns and villages up and down the country services of remembrance will be held on Sunday 10 November as we take the opportunity to pay our respects to the fallen and honour the sacrifice made by many in defence of our country during two world wars and other conflicts down the years.

As in previous years we will be laying wreaths on behalf of Durham County Council and the people of our communities at the usual local ceremonies.

Following the traditional services of remembrance wreaths will be laid by and on behalf of other local groups and organisations. There will be also an opportunity for members of the public to mark their private respects.

As in previous years we have provided funding for a buffet to be made available in Blackhall Cricket Club immediately following the service. Everyone is welcome so please come along and join us.