Mixed-use scheme set for Darlington go-ahead

Ward Estates wants to demolish the former Elm Ridge garden centre and replace it with a building featuring ground floor convenience retail and 10,000 sq ft of office space above.

The applicant is working with ELG Planning and architect Wardman Brown on the project, for which Sainsbury’s Local is lined up as the retailer, pending planning approval.

Plans for the Coniscliffe Road site were originally filed last autumn, but following a number of objections, amended plans were then filed this summer. Objections remain, however.

Although there is no opposition from statutory consultees, the proposals have attracted 43 letters of objection, offset slightly by four letters of support. The main areas of concern among those opposed include increased traffic and noise, along with questioning the need for further retail.

Approval is recommended for the plans, which can be viewed on Darlington’s planning portal with the reference 23/00769/FUL.

Well connected on the bus network, the plot is located directly adjacent to the Coniscliffe Road and Carmel Road roundabout.

ELG said in its design & access statement that “the site has stood vacant and is in need of redevelopment. The proposal to create a modern format convenience store is an opportunity to enhance the local amenities of the area, as well as creating job opportunities”.

On the table is 4,185 sq ft of retail at ground floor, with two floors of office space above, comprising 5,380 sq ft each.

ELG further said: “The office entrance will introduce a larger, more visually attractive feature to Coniscliffe Road and has been designed to create a focal point visible from the nearby roundabout, taking into account the features of other buildings elsewhere on Coniscliffe Road and in the West End Conservation Area.”

Forty four parking spaces are proposed, 18 of which would be allocated to the offices.

Ward Estates’ proposals will be considered at committee on 9 October.