Meeting residents and dealing with local issues

It was another fine day yesterday to get out on the streets again to talk with lots of residents about local issues and the things that affect them in our community.

It was especially good to meet up with old friends I hadn’t seen for a while and also to talk with quite a few residents I met for the first time.

Almost all the craic we had was positive about local matters, and there were also lots of issues to report, ranging from long-term empty properties and a few incidents of littering and fly-tipping to abandoned bins and a few highways issues.

All the issues raised yesterday have now been reported for the attention of the council and the other agencies who work alongside them in the community.

I’m now looking forward to another few days out and about - and hopefully with more warm and sunny weather!

A PACT meeting for Hesleden

Last week the Hesledens Residents’ Association held its annual meeting in Hesleden WMC, and as usual I went along as the local councillor to help out where I could and Stacey attended as a resident of the village.

During the meeting residents asked if it would be possible to hold a PACT (Police & Communities Together) meeting in Hesleden so that residents would be able to raise any local issues directly with the police.

I contacted the police the next day and they have agreed that a PACT meeting for Hesleden would be a good idea. I’ve passed them the contact details for Claire Brown from the HRA and they are making arrangements to get something off the ground as soon as possible.

I’ll update on developments as soon as I have more information from either Claire of the police.

Durham County Council urged to suspend parking charges at Crimdon

Last week I was contacted by several residents and visitors to Crimdon reporting cars parked along the access road to the sea front from the junction on the A1086 Coast Road.

Regular readers of these pages will be aware that parking charges came into force last week after the coalition in control of Durham County Council thought it would be a good idea to make people pay to visit Crimdon. This was despite my objections when I spoke against the charges at a meeting of the Highways committee in county hall last year. Full details can be found in this link: Coalition to impose parking charges at Crimdon

The problem now for the council is that visitors to Crimdon are opting to avoid the charges by parking instead along the access road, and because the road doesn’t belong to the council there’s not much they can do about it. Unfortunately this is creating a problem for someone else, someone who didn’t have a problem until the coalition decided to impose parking charges along the sea front.

I’ve contacted senior officers at Durham County Council requesting a meeting with the relevant people to see what they’re going to do to put things right. In the meantime I’ve urged the council to suspend the parking charges with immediate effect until a solution is found to this problem. Whether they'll agree to do that is to be seen, but I think something needs to be done to address a problem that is only likely to get worse now that the lighter nights are here again.

I’ll update on progress as soon as I have more information.

Another busy weekend on the streets

As most local residents will already know I'm out on the streets regularly, talking to people and spotting any local issues early before they become a problem, so I usually have a lot of issues to report every day. However, I've been out and about leafleting almost all day, every day since last Friday so I've had an extended opportunity over the weekend to talk directly with residents about the issues that affect them and their neighbourhoods.

The general feeling is that things are improving, although that doesn't conceal the fact that there's always more to do especially where litter and fly-tipping are concerned. Another key issue is the condition of some of the properties in the numbered streets in Blackhall Colliery, although many residents have acknowledged a marked improvement since the Community Action Team project went live last month. 

Residents have also commented on the number of empty properties now on the market after some of the more irresponsible absent landlords have been driven out of the village since the selective licensing scheme came into effect. The intention of the scheme is to register private-rented sector landlords and then hold them to account if their properties fall into disrepair or their tenants cause any disruption. On these issues alone there have been some significant and visible improvements.

In addition, the CAT scheme has included regular street walkabouts to identify where the main problems are identified and addressed within days, alongside a campaign to ask residents to identify their three main priorities and then encourage them to report any concerns to the council or the CAT team for their attention. The main issues identify littering, dog fouling and rubbish abandoned in the open yards of empty properties. 

I'm due to meet with the CAT team later this week to assess the impact the CAT team has had in the village, and I’ll give an update towards the end of this week. But in the meantime I've reported quite a few additional issues over the past few days for the attention of the relevant agencies (ie, the police and neighbourhood wardens etc). I’ve listed some of these issues below.

A resident has asked me to find out what happened to the public bench that used to be next to the bus shelter on the Coast Road at the top of Poplar Avenue. The seat was reported to be well-used and residents asked if it could be replaced.

Residents in Hepscott Avenue told me about litter and fly-tipping along the front of the street, along with reports of rubbish piled into the back yards of some of the empty properties.

I was also told about a number of incidents of fly-tipping and littering in some of the streets and back lanes and also on the steps between the Scheme Houses and the A1086 Coast Road. 

A number of residents also got in touch over the weekend to tell me about parked vehicles causing an obstruction on the public footpath near the community centre on Hesleden Road. This appears to be developing into a regular problem where some cases vehicles are completely blocking the footpath forcing people into the road to get past.

These issues have all been reported to the council and police over the past few days for their attention.

Residents deserve a level playing field in fight against Benridge Solar Farm

An article in the Northern Echo recently suggested that a proposal to install a solar farm on agricultural land at Benridge would not require an Environmental Impact Assessment if a planning application were to be submitted by the development company with an interest in the site, which lies just off Fillpoke Lane between High Hesleden and Crimdon. 

I've never before come across something like this, which appears to imply that a huge development in the open countryside would have no adverse impact on the environment - something I'm sure most people would find preposterous. 

At first I'd thought the Northern Echo article had been misunderstood, so the response I received from the planning office was completely unexpected and gives a new perspective on what might lie ahead for those of us who have genuine concerns about the development. 

I've published the complete correspondence below, showing first my query to the planning department, with their response following: 

Good morning,

I was told of an article in the Northern Echo earlier this week that suggested if the company proposing to construct a solar farm on land adjacent to Fillpoke Lane submitted a full planning application to the LPA an Environmental Impact Assessment would not be required.

Since the article was published several local residents have contacted me alarmed at the prospect of a planning proposal being determined without an EIA. I'm inclined to agree with them that if the council is eventually to determine a planning application without the benefit of an EIA it would deprive members of the planning committee the opportunity to properly scrutinise the potential impact on the countryside of a proposal of this nature.

It would also have an adverse impact on local businesses and residents who might oppose the application and who would not be able to comment on how a solar farm at this location would have a detrimental effect on the environment. I fear that if local members and residents were to comment on the environmental impact without reference to an EIA it would carry no weight with members of the planning committee, thereby lending bias in favour of the applicant.

Could you clarify the council's stance on this issue please.

I received this response from the planning office:

I can confirm that a ‘Screening Opinion’ request under Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (EIA Regulations) was submitted and a decision issued by the planners for the proposed development. As you might be aware, through a ‘Screening Opinion’ the Council only decides whether a proposed development is likely to have a significant effect on the environment and therefore requires a formal assessment under the EIA Regulations.

Details in relation to ‘Screening Opinions’ can be found in the following link: Environmental Impact Assessment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).  The Council's Screening Opinion for this proposal is that it would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment and would not therefore require EIA.  However, the EIA process is separate to the assessment of a planning application and it does not mean that the Council considers that there would be no effects from the development and that therefore the application will automatically be approved. Rather any environmental effects would be fully considered at planning application stage as is the case with any planning application.

Please be assured that any planning application would need to be accompanied by the information necessary in order to allow the Council to fully assess the development which would, amongst other matters, include landscape and visual impact assessment and ecological assessments.  Just because a development is not considered to be EIA development does not mean that it is not fully scrutinised and assessed.

In addition should a planning application be received then the Council would carry out the necessary publicity in accordance with planning procedures, including being advertised in the press, site notices and neighbour notification letters to properties in the vicinity of the sites.  The application would be available to view on the Council’s website and members of the public would then be able to make representations on the proposals direct to the Council and discuss any concerns with Planning Officers.  Consultations would also be undertaken with statutory consultees and the Council’s specialist advisors.

The Screening Opinion can be viewed on the Council’s website at: https://publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application and searching on SCR/25/00008.  Due to the configuration of the system the  screening request is referred to as an ‘application’ but as per the above explanation it is not a planning application as such. 

It's quite staggering that a local planning authority could even consider that a planning application of this nature would have no impact on the environment, so I'm sure many will agree with me that the planning system is not fit for purpose on this particular issue.

When I first raised the prospect of us having a bit of a fight on our hands if we were to oppose a solar farm at Benridge, I never thought for one minute that the dice would be so obviously loaded against us from the start. It looks as though we're going to have to fight for a level playing field before the planning process even begins! 

I'll be in touch with the planning office again next week to press for some formal process within the planning system that allows residents to have a fair say on this potential development.

Children reveal exciting new plans for Blackhall Welfare Park play area

Along with members of the parish council Stacey and I met with pupils from Blackhall Primary School yesterday afternoon when the children revealed the design they had selected for the new play area to be installed soon in Blackhall Welfare Park.

Stacey and I were delighted to be able to help with grants from the Neighbourhood Budget which, together with funding from the National Lottery Fund and Monk Hesleden Parish Council, will provide the necessary financial support for this scheme to go ahead.

Works on the play area are expected to begin in the next few months and are scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the school summer holidays in July.

We're sure that residents will join us in thanking the students from Blackhall Primary School for their help, and for selecting such an exciting new play scheme for the Welfare Park.

Land clearance works behind the Esso service station

A couple of weeks ago I made enquiries with the planning department at county hall on behalf of residents who had raised concerns about groundworks that had begun on land around the Esso service station in Blackhall. Background details can be found in this link: Clearance works on land behind the Esso service station in Blackhall

In general, local residents had welcomed the clearance of the land opposite Coronation Avenue, which was in a very poor condition and had been left exposed after a perimeter wall collapsed there last summer. Background details can be found in this link: Wall collapse at Coronation Avenue

When I contacted the planning department I asked for an investigation to be carried out to determine the purpose of the works and also to confirm the planning status of the land to the rear of the service station. I asked for clarity on this issue because rumours had started circulating that the land was to be used for a housing development, which as far as I was aware had received no planning consent.

I've now received a post-enforcement update confirming that the land has no planning consent for housing development. I've reproduced a summary of the enforcement officer's response below: 

Good morning Rob

I refer to your recent enquiry regarding the above site. I can confirm that I carried out a site visit on 27^th February 2025 and noted that clearance works had indeed taken place, with the removal of vegetation and possibly some levelling of the land, however this does not constitute development and therefore it was concluded that no breaches of planning regulation had taken place.

I can also confirm that no planning consent has been granted for any development on the site, no planning applications are waiting to be determined and no pre-application enquiries have been received for the site.

Kind regards

Restoration works at the former pit heap site in Hesleden

I was contacted by residents yesterday afternoon and last night asking why new signage had been erected at the site of the former pit heap in Hesleden. I suggested that the signs had been installed as part of plans to restore the site after works ceased there earlier this year.

However, to be on the safe side I contacted the council’s planning department this morning and they have confirmed that restoration works were underway and that the signs were erected by contractors working on behalf of the site owner to meet the requirements of the planning enforcement notice issued last year.

You can find background information about this issue in this link: Restoration works underway at the former Hesleden pit heap site

The 2025 Blackhall Banner Group Fundraiser

Members of the Blackhall Banner Group met again last night to put the finishing touches to their plans for next month's fundraising event to mark the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Miners' Strike and also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Banner Group itself, which we first established in August 2000 to act as custodians of the banner and to promote the culture, heritage and legacy of coal mining in our communities.

The Blackhall DMA banner at the 2024 Durham Miners’ Gala

This year's event will be held on Saturday 5 April at Blackhall Community Centre (formerly the Miners' Welfare Hall) and will include live acts alongside a quiz, photo display, raffle prizes and food and drink.

All money raised will go towards providing subsidised transport to Durham Big Meeting, which will be held this year on Saturday 12 July.

Full details of the fundraiser will be released soon, but in the meantime mark the 5 April in your diary!  

Details of last year's banner group fundraising event can be found here: Blackhall Banner Group 2024 Fundraiser

Local Issues & Casework Update for February 2025

Since my most recent monthly local issues and casework update report I’ve raised queries with the authorities on behalf of 84 residents and businesses across the Blackhall ward. I've also made direct contact with more than 96 individual residents. Almost all of these queries are personal and/or confidential so for obvious reasons details cannot and will not be disclosed to the public.

In addition, I’ve dealt with a number of general queries raised by members of the public. These include issues raised at ward surgeries, during street walkabouts, at the monthly Blackhall PACT meeting and through other methods, including direct contact with me via telephone, email and my social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky).

The main issues covered this month include proposals for a solar farm on Fillpoke Lane, restoration works underway at the Hesleden pit heap site,  parking scheme works in Blackhall Colliery and enforced parking charges at Crimdon sea front. I’ve selected a few of the articles about these issues for re-posting, just in case you missed them first time around.

Please follow the links below for full details. If you have any queries or comments that require a response please get in touch with me direct at: rob.crute@durham.gov.uk

• A company has announced that it wants to construct a solar farm at Benridge, just off Fillpoke Lane between Crimdon and High Hesleden: Solar Farm proposal at Fillpoke Lane

• Following concerns I've raised on behalf of Hesleden residents the planning office at county hall has confirmed that restoration works are underway at the former pit heap site in the village: Restoration works underway at the former Hesleden pit heap site

• Roadworks are underway in the back lane between St Joseph's RC primary school and the Aged Miners' Homes in Blackhall Colliery to resurface the road and reinstate road markings: Road works at St Joseph's RC Primary

• The next phase of a safer parking initiative has begun after double yellow lines were installed to prevent parking at problem locations in Blackhall Colliery. Police have since confirmed that the parking enforcement team will be asked to increase patrols in the area: Safer Parking in Blackhall Colliery

• The company proposing to construct the solar farm at Benridge has begun a 3-week public consultation exercise to gauge the views of residents and businesses: Company launches 3 week public consultation on Benridge Solar Farm plan

• Council Tax is set to increase by 4.99% in County Durham after the ruling Coalition in county hall received the full backing of their former Tory party allies who have since defected to Reform UK: Reform UK supports Tory-led Coalition to hike Council Tax

• Works to clear the land behind the Esso service station on the A1086 got underway last week, with the landowner reported to be preparing the land for housing. The planning enforcement section at the county council has established an investigation after they confirmed they had no record of planning permission for the site: Clearance works on land behind the Esso service station in Blackhall

• After Coalition members voted in a highways committee meeting last year to introduce parking charges along the sea front in Crimdon, the council has confirmed that the charges will be imposed from 5 March: Coalition to introduce parking charges at Crimdon from 5 March

• The monthly Blackhall PACT meeting was held on Wednesday 26 February where a number of local issues were discussed: Blackhall PACT meeting for February 2025

Blackhall PACT meeting for February 2025

Last night was another busy one as I met with local residents, the police and neighbourhood wardens at a couple of monthly meetings held to discuss a range of issues going on in our villages. 

As usual I attended the monthly meeting of the parish council's environment committee where I report on any local environmental issues raised with me as the county councillor, and then discuss with parish councillors and the parish clerk the best way to address any local concerns.

Following the parish environment committee I attended the monthly Blackhall PACT meeting where residents come along to report any local issues to the police and neighbourhood wardens. I always attend PACT meetings in my capacity as the local county councillor, just in case there are any matters raised that might need my help. It also cuts down on duplication of work where sometimes similar issues are reported to me and the police separately. I've highlighted below some of the issues raised last night.

1. Safer Parking in Blackhall Colliery: 

An update was given on the latest phase in a series of schemes to install double-yellow lines in locations where residents have reported concerns about problem parking. The police have confirmed that they'll do what they can to address any issues raised by residents about the application of the scheme, including an additional request for the parking enforcement team to increase patrols in the village. Background details can be found in this link: Safer Parking in Blackhall Colliery

2. Land clearance at Coronation Avenue: 

I gave an update on a report from residents last week that land behind the Esso service station was being cleared in preparation for a housing scheme. After I'd raised concerns with the planning office on behalf of residents the county council confirmed that the scheme appears to have no planning permission. Background details can be found here: Clearance works on land behind the Esso service station in Blackhall

3. Public footpath query: 

I received a report of a defective public footpath on East Street where it is reported that a resident tripped recently. I have reported this to the council's highways section with a request that the path is made safe again.

4. Proposed solar farm at Benridge, Fillpoke Lane: 

An update was given on plans to construct a solar farm on land at Fillpoke Lane between High Hesleden and Crimdon. Although it was felt that solar farms were generally acceptable in the right place, significant concerns had been raised locally that the proposed development was in the wrong place and that it would have an adverse visual impact on an otherwise attractive local landscape.

I reported that I had been contacted by several local residents over the past week or so expressing their concerns that the proposal would be a blight on the landscape and that it would take up land that should be preserved for food production. These were pretty much the same concerns that I had raised a few years ago when similar plans were revealed to construct a solar farm on land just off the A19 at Sheraton. Background details about this issue can be found here: Company launches 3 week public consultation on Benridge Solar Farm plans

5. Roadworks at St Joseph's RC primary school: 

I gave an update on ongoing works to resurface a section of the highway at the entrance to St Joseph's school in preparation for eroded road markings to be reinstated. The resurfacing works were completed earlier this week ready for the re-lining works to take place.

6. Traffic-calming works at Station Road, Blackhall Rocks: 

I reported that I had received confirmation from the highways department that they had now received the funding I had put in place, and that works to fully reinstate the speed humps were expected to be ordered by the end of next month at the latest.

I asked for these works to be carried out after a local resident from Station Road raised a petition last year which was signed by almost 100 residents in Blackhall Rocks concerned that the reduced height of the speed humps meant they were no longer effective. This is a note of the confirmation:

We were awaiting confirmation of the funding which I received this month.

I have a member of my team allocated to start the process on their return from annual leave next week.

As previously stated, no consultation/legal process is required for this scheme as we are simply replacing the existing traffic calming. Therefore, we will just be completing a design and ordering the works.

I will provide an update to [Councillor Crute] when the works are ordered, we will be aiming to order the work by end of March at the latest.

Background details to how this scheme came about can be found in this link: Funding in place to reinstate the speed humps on Station Road

7. Off-road bikes in Blackhall and Hesleden: 

Queries were raised by residents about problems associated with quads and off-road bikes in Blackhall and Hesleden. The police updated on ongoing works through their OP Endurance initiative, which is designed to apprehend off-road bikers and identify locations where bikes are kept overnight. 

I asked for an update on what was being done to address residents' concerns about this issue, and asked which were the locations most reported by residents. The police confirmed that they had began a series of targeted operations to tackle off-road bike issues in several locations, including on the beach banks and on the roads between Blackhall Colliery, High Hesleden and Hesleden.

8. Community Action Team (CAT) update: 

Officers from the Community Action Team attended the PACT meeting to give an update on their 12 week project in Blackhall Colliery. It was reported that over 200 individual jobs had been raised following consultation and contact with local residents since the initiative began last month. The main priorities identified by residents included fly-tipping in the back yards of a number of properties in the former colliery streets, empty properties and dog fouling.

It was reported by the CAT team that the yards of several private-rented sector properties had now been cleared and that a number of empty private properties have now been put up for sale. Now that many of the yards were cleared of rubbish I urged the team to ensure wherever possible that the owner made their property secure to prevent any future incidents of fly-tipping.

The team also reported that the neighbourhood wardens were targeting a number of locations where dog fouling had been reported by residents as a particular issue.

9. Parking Charges at Crimdon: It was reported that the county council had confirmed recently that a scheme to introduce parking charges would take effect on 5 March. It's fair to say that this confirmation was not welcomed, and that there still remained considerable local opposition to a charging regime that would likely have a damaging impact locally. 

As someone who has opposed the coalition's plans to impose parking charges from the very start I share the concerns of the many visitors, businesses and local residents that this scheme will deter people from coming to Crimdon and the rest of the Durham coast, and in so doing is likely to have a detrimental impact on businesses in nearby villages. Background details can be found here: Coalition to introduce parking charges at Crimdon from 5 March

That's a brief summary of some of the issues we covered last night. The next PACT meeting for Blackhall will be held on 26 March, but in the meantime if you have any issues you would like us to know about please let me or Stacey know and we'll raise them with the the appropriate agencies. We can be contacted at: rob.crute@durham.gov.uk or stacey.deinali@durham.gov.uk 

Coalition to introduce parking charges at Crimdon from 5 March

I have received formal notification that a scheme to introduce parking charges along the sea front at Crimdon will come into effect on Wednesday 5 March when visitors to will now have to stump up £1 to park for one hour of £3 to park all day.

As regular readers of these pages will know from my previous articles I have opposed the Coalition's proposals to introduce parking charges at Crimdon since they were first announced last year. It's my view that they will deter visitors from coming to the coast and in turn act as a drag on the local economy in nearby villages like Blackhall Colliery and Blackhall Rocks. You can find full background details in this link: Coalition members give the green light to parking charges at Crimdon

I have also posted below a full transcript of the Highways Committee meeting held in county hall last September when I spoke on behalf of residents and businesses against the introduction of charges at Crimdon. Unfortunately, despite the support of Labour colleagues who backed my stance they were outvoted by a combination of Coalition party members who are in control of Durham County Council:

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth regarding objections received in response to the consultation on the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in Crimdon beach car park. (for copy see file of minutes).

The Strategic Traffic Manager provided a detailed presentation which included a site location plan showing details of the proposals, aerial photographs and details of the restriction to introduce pay and display parking in Crimdon beach car park, to encourage a turnover of vehicles and to improve access to local amenities, whilst aiding the Authority’s policies on sustainable travel.

 

The Strategic Traffic Manager provided details of objections received in respect of the proposals and confirmed that Members were being asked in principle only, whether the TRO should be made to guide the Corporate Director in the delegated decision making exercise.

 

Councillor Crute addressed the Committee as Local Member and confirmed that he had met with Highways Officers to raise residents’ concerns about obstructive parking in one particular location along the southern edge of the sea front in Crimdon, particularly at peak times.  Recommendations to restrict obstructive parking had been made, however parking charges had never been suggested.

 

Councillor Crute disagreed with the reasons behind the proposed introduction of parking charges and was concerned that the changes would drive visitors away from an area which had been gradually improved in order to attract them.  Crimdon was one of the only remaining visitor destinations where people could visit the coast and park for free, however instead of using this as a unique selling point to promote the area, the Council risked displacing visitors elsewhere.

 

Councillor Crute advised that all members of the public and local business who had contacted him agreed that the coast should be promoted as a tourist destination and its nature reserve be developed, to boost the local economy.   They also considered parking charges were a retrograde step that would deter visitors and impact on local businesses. 

 

Councillor Crute referred to the impact on visitor numbers after recent parking charges had been introduced in Seaham and advised that businesses were struggling as potential visitors bypassed the town to go elsewhere.  He was concerned that parking charges at Crimdon Dene were being used as a cost-cutting measure, rather than to manage or control traffic. He referred to MTFP (14) and a £400k deficit which was proposed to be met by the introduction of parking charges along the Durham coast.  The introduction of parking charges at Crimdon Dene was a short-term intervention that would have long-term impacts on visitor numbers and the local economy, in villages both nearby and across East Durham.  He urged Members to reject the recommendation.

 

Councillor Earley considered that conflicting information had been presented. He did not accept that the introduction of parking charges could have little or no impact on footfall, which was the information presented in relation to Seaham.  He was concerned that government guidance specified that users should pay for parking and the impact this could have on other areas in the county.  He shared the concerns of the Local Member, that the scheme was being introduced to address the Councils budget.  Councillor Earley highlighted the potential impact on local businesses and suggested that vehicle displacement would result in obstructions elsewhere.

 

Councillor Boyes often visited Crimdon during peak times, however he had not witnessed parking violations of this extent and suggested they were isolated incidents.  He outlined the health benefits of having the coast as a destination for exercise and its promotion by GPs in East Durham. He feared that parking charges would limit access for residents who required easy level access to coastal walks. Recent reductions to bus services already limited access and the only way to visit was to travel by car.  He was concerned that the scheme would deter visitors.

 

Councillor Tinsley had also visited during peak times and never witnessed issues to the extent that they had been portrayed, however the photographs contained evidence of obstruction and encroachment into the habitat. He could see no justification to introduce parking charges, although he could see the logic of double yellow lines to deter parking on the grass verges.

 

Councillor Mavin supported the scheme.  It was the only car park in the North East that did not charge for parking and since the introduction of parking charges in Seaham, all units were occupied.

 

Councillor Jopling considered the costs associated to be reasonable and highlighted the Councils duty to ensure the area was protected and that residents were able to use facilities in their local area. 

 

Councillor Sterling noted the conflict between the photographs provided and statements from Members who used the area. The Strategic Traffic Manager confirmed that information provided by Heritage Coastal Officers confirmed that incidents were regular.  The Traffic Engineer explained that two of the images were of the same location, one had been taken following the introduction of white lines which had not deterred parking.

 

Councillor Shaw agreed there was an issue to be addressed and referred to issues observed in Seaham following the introduction of parking charges.  Vehicles had been displaced to other areas of the town, causing more problems.  He questioned whether there was any other way to alleviate the issues without the introduction of parking charges.  Having seen the impact of the parking charges in Seaham he confirmed that he would not support the proposal.

 

Councillor Gunn was familiar with the area and its environmental benefits and agreed that information shared in relation to footfall in Seaham was contrary to the objectives outlined in this proposal. She suggested that more consideration should have been given to the impact on both businesses and visitors, before a decision was made.

 

The Strategic Traffic Manager advised that Crimdon beach car park was recognised as having high parking demand and the Council had tailored its approach accordingly to promote the maximum use of spaces and discourage inappropriate parking. He explained that within the parking sector 85% occupancy was the figure whereby operational capacity was considered to have been reached within a parking area.  Beyond this level of usage people had difficulty locating a vacant space and this discouraged future visits.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Earley regarding the alleged increased numbers in Seaham, the Strategic Traffic Manager confirmed that people were no longer parking all day on the coast and this had increased turnover and footfall.  Councillor Shaw reiterated that visitors were displaced and causing disruption elsewhere.

 

Councillor Tinsley highlighted that though the photographs showed examples of parking violations, no data had been included in the report to reflect annual occupancy levels.

 

The Traffic Engineer advised that since 2023 regular reports had been received from Heritage Coastal Officers outlining the ongoing issues. The issues were more prolific in summer than winter. The Strategic Traffic Manager added that the feedback from Heritage Coastal Officers reported issues relating to parking on grassed areas, obstruction to residential access and potential risks of emergency service vehicle access. Issues raised since early 2023 were of a persistent frequency rather than one off incidents.

 

Councillor Boyes queried whether potential vehicle displacement had been assessed and the Strategic Traffic Manager accepted that traffic could be displaced, however the area would be monitored and addressed accordingly.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Sterling, the Strategic Traffic Manager confirmed that businesses had been given the opportunity to comment on the proposals however only one representation had been received from the council ran business in the immediate area who had requested a scheme as parking capacity had a direct impact on business footfall.

 

Councillor Shaw moved a motion to reject the proposals, seconded by Councillor Boyes.  Upon a vote being taken, the motion was lost.

 

Councillor Jopling moved the recommendation as outlined in the report and it was seconded by Councillor Mavin.

 

Resolved:

 

That the proposal in principle to introduce the Crimdon (Off-Street Parking Place) Traffic Regulation Order 2024 be endorsed, with the final decision being made by the Corporate Director under delegated powers.

Supporting documents:

• Item 5 Crimdon - Committee Report, item 5.  PDF 823 KB
• Item 5 Crimdon - Highways Committee, item 5.  PDF 4 MB

Clearance works on land behind the Esso service station in Blackhall

I've been contacted this afternoon by residents wondering why the land behind the Esso service station on the Coast Road in Blackhall was being cleared. Rumours had been circulating that the land was being prepared for development works, but when I've checked with the head of the planning section this evening they've confirmed that they have no record of any planning approval for development works at this location. I'm told that the head of planning has asked the enforcement team to carry out an investigation into this development to determine what's going on. I'll update on any significant developments on this case as soon as I have more information from the planning team.

On a more positive note however, the vacant land between the side of the service station and Coronation Avenue has now been cleared. I'd raised concerns on behalf of residents last year after a wall along the curtilage of the site had fallen into the roadway - presumably forced into collapse by the overgrown trees and bushes pressing against it. For full background details please follow this link: Progress on repairing a collapsed wall at Coronation Avenue

Reform UK supports Tory-led Coalition to hike Council Tax

Yesterday in county hall a full meeting of the county council was held for the authority to agree its budget and set council tax levels for the coming year. Despite every Labour member voting against the budget the Tory-led coalition, with the full support of Reform UK members, voted through a 4.99% increase in council tax alongside a budget that continues to funnel funding into Durham City centre at the expense of our pit communities in East Durham and other towns and villages across the county. 

I spoke on behalf of Management Board members who had closely scrutinised the coalition cabinet’s budget proposals at every stage of development since they were first published last year. Members welcomed the additional £48m in central government funding this year - by far the most positive and promising local government finance settlement in over a decade following 14 long, hard years of damaging Tory government austerity that had snatched away £270m in funding for our local communities and public services.

The coalition cabinet’s own budget papers show a funding increase of over £68m this year alone (this figure includes an additional £48m in government grant plus revenue from the coalition’s council tax increase)

Despite that significantly improved funding settlement members had raised concerns about the ever-rising cost of extra borrowing by the coalition that will burden the people of County Durham with debt totalling over £1bn over the next 40 years. 

Concerns were also expressed about the rate at which council reserves had been eroded to a level below what is considered prudent by CIPFA, which sets a guideline limit of above 5% to 7.5% to be held in reserves as a proportion of the council’s net revenue budget. 

In addition members raised concerns about the risks involved in the coalition borrowing an extra £55m this year to take over a failed private sector development at Milburngate in Durham City centre. Whilst it was recognised that the project could eventually succeed members felt that the risk to the tax-payers of County Durham remained unacceptably high.

The meeting concluded when the Tory-led coalition, supported by their allies in Reform UK, agreed the budget despite the risks involved. To top it all off they also agreed to raise council tax levels by the maximum permitted 4.99% for the coming year. 

In a series of passionate speeches Labour members made it clear that they could not support a budget that continues to squander public money on vanity projects in Durham City centre at the expense of villages like Blackhall and Hesleden and the rest of County Durham - and then demands that our residents stump up an extra 5% in Council Tax for the privilege.

Company launches 3 week public consultation on Benridge Solar Farm plans

Over the past few weeks I've been circulating information on proposals for a solar farm at Benridge, just off Fillpoke Lane between Crimdon and High Hesleden. 

The company involved held a public exhibition in High Hesleden last night which kick-started a three-week consultation exercise to gauge public opinion on their plans. They've said they intend to use the information gathered from the public consultation exercise to guide them in deciding whether they should submit a full planning application to the local planning authority to get consent for their solar farm.

It is vital at this early stage in the process that as many people as possible take part in the consultation to get their views across, so I've posted a link below which will take you to the company's website where you'll find more details about the solar farm proposals along with a 'Contact Us' option for you to make your voice heard. 

Please make every effort to respond: Consultation — Benridge Farm

For more background information on the solar farm proposals, and additional details about how important it is to make your voice heard please go to this link: Proposed Solar Farm at Fillpoke Lane - Lessons from Sheraton

Safer Parking in Blackhall Colliery

Over the past few weeks residents will have noticed that double-yellow lines have been installed or reinstated at a number locations throughout Blackhall Colliery. This includes outside Airlie House and on the junction of Hesleden Road and Middle Street, and follows calls from several residents for something to be done to address their concerns about obstructive parking that causes bottle-necks and restricts the view of drivers when pulling out of side streets and onto the main road.

These measures have been welcomed, but a few residents have been in touch to tell me about their concerns about the way some of the lines have been applied. This relates mainly to the road at the Hesleden Road junction and also at the side of Airlie House at the top of First Street where the lines appear to have been hastily applied or missed altogether.

I’ve raised those concerns with the highways department with a request that the lines at the side of Airlie House are reinstated properly and that those at the bottom of Hesleden Road are edged-off to make them look neater.

Following additional issues raised by residents about problem parking at some locations I’ve also asked the parking enforcement team to increase patrols in the area to make sure that drivers are parking responsibly and in places where they are not causing an obstruction.

Proposed Solar Farm at Fillpoke Lane - Lessons from Sheraton

Over the past couple of weeks I've been circulating information throughout the community about a company's proposal to install a solar farm on land to the south of Fillpoke Lane between Crimdon and High Hesleden.

To outline its plans the company will hold a public exhibition at the Ship Inn at High Hesleden this coming Tuesday, 18 February between 2 and 8pm. This event will mark the beginning of a three week public engagement exercise, which the company says will give it a view on whether or not to submit a full planning application to the county council. I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation to let the company know what their feelings are about a solar farm in open countryside between our villages. Please see full background details in this link: Company seeks public opinion on Solar Farm proposal at Fillpoke Lane

Since I began publicising the company's proposals it appears there's a handful of residents who believe there's no point in engaging with the company because this is already a done deal, or even that it doesn't matter what we say. While people are entitled to their own opinion, I profoundly disagree with any suggestion that it doesn't matter what we have to say. Quite the opposite is true, and there's evidence to prove that engaging and organising in our communities can reap rewards if we stand together behind a common cause.

A few years ago a company announced plans to construct a solar farm at nearby Sheraton, which at the moment is still in the Blackhall ward. The community as a whole didn't want it so we worked with residents to organise a campaign to fight the proposal. Although it was a long drawn-out struggle the community prevailed in the end when the planning committee refused planning consent for the solar farm. Members of the planning committee were persuaded by our campaign and its main message - this was the wrong type of the development in the wrong place.

Although the company subsequently appealed the council's decision to refuse consent we should never be put off by what might happen next. The community campaign in Sheraton showed what we can achieve when we organise, agree a united campaign and then work alongside one another to make a stand.

The late trade union leader Bob Crow once said that 'if you fight back you won't always win. But if you don't fight back you will always lose'. I for one will never concede without a fight - and I know from experience that our communities share the same tenacity when the time comes to stand together.

We have plans in place to hold our own public meeting for residents of Hesleden, Crimdon and Blackhall where we'll have the opportunity to voice our opinion on this latest solar farm proposal, with full details to be announced soon. In the meantime I would encourage every resident and business to engage in the pubic consultation exercise over the next few weeks. That will set the scene for what comes next.

Please follow the link below for full details of the Sheraton solar farm campaign: Committee rejects Sheraton Solar Farm proposal

Road works at St Joseph's RC Primary School

Last month I published details of ongoing road marking works to prohibit parking at certain locations in Blackhall Colliery where residents had raised their concerns about obstructive parking practices. This included highway patching works in the lane outside St Joseph's RC Primary School to enable the highways authority to reinstate faded road markings at the main entrance to the school. Full background details can be found in this link: Road repairs and markings for St Joseph's RC Primary School

I have now received formal notification from the council's highways maintenance section confirming that works will be carried out during the school holidays to minimise disruption to the staff and children. This means the road directly outside the school will be temporarily closed between 7.30am and 3.30pm each day from Monday 24 February until Friday 28 February.

I've asked the council for an assurance that disruption for residents in the Aged Miners' Home opposite the school will be kept at an absolute minimum and I've been told that all potentially affected residents will be notified in advance of the works taking place. I've also been given an assurance that there will be access for emergency service vehicles at all times.

If you have any comments or queries about these works please get in touch with me and I'll make sure you get the information you need: rob.crute@durham.gov.uk

Restoration works underway at the former Hesleden pit heap site

Following enquiries made on behalf of residents Stacey and I have received an update from the planning case officer on ongoing restoration works on the site of the former pit heap in Hesleden. The update also included details of the timescale for restoration works:

Regarding the presence of JTL Mr Dig Groundworks on the site. This was the first notification of their involvement, and immediate clarification was sought from the site operator. It was confirmed that JTL Mr Dig Groundworks Ltd has been contracted by Robert Surtees to undertake site restoration in accordance with the requirements of the Enforcement Notice.

As outlined in the Enforcement Notice, all stockpiled material must be removed by 12 May 2025, with full site restoration to be completed in accordance with the approved restoration scheme by 11 November 2025. The site has not been abandoned, and the compliance periods set out in the Enforcement Notice remain in effect.

For clarity, responsibility for site restoration rests with the landowner or occupant. Durham County Council has no responsibility for these works, and JTL Mr Dig Groundworks Ltd is neither affiliated with nor contracted by the Council.

We will continue to monitor progress on restoration of the site and update residents on any significant developments. In the meantime if you have any comments or queries please continue to contact us in the usual way: rob.crute@durham.gov.uk or stacey.deinali@durham.gov.uk