Dear Sir,
In response to the Article in The Newton News (week ending 15th April) regarding Eldon Whins proposed development, Middridge Parish Council wish to make the following statements:-
1) The boundaries of Middridge Parish were agreed upon and legally set in 1982 by Sedgefield District Council having formerly been part of Shildon Parish. Therefore as far as our Parish is concerned, there is no controversy and we are content with our boundaries.
2) Before any Community Governance Order can be imposed, to change boundaries, the people of Middridge Parish would need to be consulted and in agreement.
In our recent survey of housing needs for our Neighbourhood Plan, 91% of residents were opposed to any development at Eldon Whins, for many reasons, but mainly because of it is:
a) Destroying lovely open countryside and intruding into the ‘green wedge’ between our two communities
b) Increasing the traffic along what are two very busy roads.
c) Increasing the pressure on schools and health facilities which are already over subscribed.
d) Concerns about building on land, which is badly drained and subject to flooding.
I hope this provides balance to the views expressed in that article.
Anne Clarke,
Chairwoman
Middridge Parish Council